Portfolio

More actively managed funds-of-funds and mutual fund wrap programs are investing in such safe, low-cost vehicles as index funds and exchange-traded funds, The Globe and Mail reports.

After losing an average of 19% last year and charging investors management fees of 2% plus incentive fees of 20% or more, investors are beginning to protest, The Wall Street Journal reports. And with assets languishing, it’s more than likely that hedge funds will cut fees to attract assets and keep investors at least moderately happy.

With assets so vastly depleted, many hedge funds are likely to merge, an asset management executive told a recent gathering of hedge fund executives at the SkyBridge Alternatives Conference.

Even though Fidelity’s mutual funds are performing strongly, with 62% in the top half of their category, the firm is looking for a new chief investment officer, Reuters reports. By comparison, in 2008, only 36% of the firm’s funds were in the top half.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is holding a public seminar on June 10 to help companies and preparers comply with new financial reporting rules.

Archer to Head Asia Office For American Century

Few investors changed their saving or investing habits in 2008, Hewitt Associates reports, citing data from 2.7 million participants. However, equity fund allocations reached record lows.

Investors Held Steady During Turbulence

Advisers are showing signs of optimism after months of market doldrums, according to a new survey by broker/dealer Securities America of 180 of its top producers.

The investment community is hopeful that with a little tweaking, target-date funds could be the ideal solution for getting apathetic investors into an age-appropriate asset allocation.