Mutual Fund Analysis
No-load vs. Load funds- today there are more than 7,000 different mutual funds to choose from.
Expense Ratio - Includes management and 12(b)-1 (marketing costs) fees. There is a strong inverse relationship between total cost and investor return.
Fund Investment Styles - The stated investment objectives of the mutual fund.
Individual Fund Performance - The total returns, capital appreciation and current income, generated by the mutual fund.
Morningstar's Mutual Fund report is perhaps the most comprehensive, timely and useful source for mutual fund information.
The Morningstar Mutual Fund web site provides detailed analysis of fund performance statistics, portfolio allocation, fee structure, and fund purchase information.