Investing one’s hard-earned money requires diligent research about financial instruments and of the money management firms providing the investment platform. While today there’s a wide array of investment options, the most common advice given to new investors is to invest on mutual funds. These are investment products that permit individuals to make a choice based on their risk tolerance, their financial goals and the time period they expect to receive investment returns.
Actually, mutual funds are also called conservative funds and are regarded as ideal for individuals who prefer to stay on the safer side of investing activities. These are funds managed by a group of financial experts who make it a point to reduce the risks by maintaining the right balance between the benefits of investing in equities and debt instruments.
What Exactly is a Mutual Fund and How Does it Work ?
Actually, a mutual fund refers to a company that mainly focuses on pooling money entrusted by numerous individuals for the purpose of investing the pooled funds in an assortment of financial securities. They combine equity shares or stock investments, bonds issued by a corporation or government and short-term business loans into a single holding referred to as the investment portfolio.
Mutual fund investors earn income from the investment portfolio based on the proportion or size of their mutual fund investment. They offer high yield investments when compared to the traditional Time Deposits and Recurring Deposits offered by banks.
However, it’s also important to carefully select the mutual fund company as there are fly-by-night, unregistered firms posing as asset management entities but without applying real expertise in managing investment portfolios. Also, be wary of mutual funds that promise incredibly high rates of returns, as more often than not, they are actually Ponzi-like pyramid scams that pay out returns using money derived from new investors.
Features to Look for as Ideal Qualities of Mutual Funds
Most mutual fund investors rely on word-of-mouth recommendations as the easiest way of choosing a mutual fund. Yet this approach limits one’s options as there are now mutual fund companies that customize investment choices based on the investors needs. They do so by providing personalized services at the highest level, by first developing a clear understanding of every individual’s risk tolerance, financial goals and of the timeframe within which they intend to place their money in an investment portfolio.
An ideal investment portfolio provider is one that closely monitors the components of its holdings to ensure there is a proper asset mix that works toward accelerating growth; whilst limiting the risks to which investors’ money are exposed. It’s also important that they offer their services with full transparency, including providing information in which jurisdiction they operate as assurance that the company is operating in a stable environment.