American Century Launches Three Load Funds

American Century Investments launched three load funds last week. Two funds, the Short Duration Bond Fund and the Core Plus Bond Fund, will be managed by American Century’s fixed income investment team, while a separate international equity fund will be managed by its quantitative equity group.

All the funds require a minimum of $2,500 initial investment and are managed by veteran managers.

The Core Plus Bond Fund will invest at least 65% percent of its assets in investment-grade bonds and also have the ability to invest up to 35% of its assets in high-yield and emerging market debt. The fund’s objective is to attain maximum total return and seek a high level of income.

The Short Duration Bond will also invest in investment grade, non-money market debt securities, yet the weighted average of duration of the fund’s portfolio will be three years or shorter.

The International Core Equity Fund will invest in companies in developed parts of the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada.