Editor's View: How Successful Fund Launches Leverage Distribution

There have been 103 ETFs launched thus far in the first half of 2014 as of June 30 compared to 157 for all of 2013. A total of 902 new mutual funds by share class have been launched in the first half of 2014 compared to 2,083 for all of 2013.

Based on estimated net flows as of July 2 for funds launched this year, Lipper has put together the top mutual funds and ETFs. From leveraging vast advisor networks to working with external and internal wholesalers, we've selected a few marketing and operational takeaways for providers based on Lipper's assessment. Here are some takeaways from Barry Fennell, a research analyst at Lipper.