Web-Based Tools Help Investors Select Mutual Funds

Due to the recent regulator prods, many mutual fund companies have began to disclose more information, like how much managers invest in their funds and a clear breakdown of fund expenses. Thus, a number of mutual fund service providers and regulators have launched new online tools to help investors sort through the information, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The National Association of Securities Dealers, for example, offers two online tools. The first helps investors compare fund expenses and calculate how much it would cost to hold a fund over time. The second shows how much an investor would have to place into a fund to receive a breakpoint.

At personalfund.com, an investor can find out the tax consequences of holding a fund, along with transaction, management and distribution costs. Betterinvesting.org maps out changes in a fund's portfolio from quarter to quarter, and at Morningstar.com, investors can learn about a portfolio manager's background and level of experience, along with the percentage of a fund's holdings among various styles of investing.

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Money Management Executive
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