September 29, 2013

Top Lowest Cost Sector Stock Mutual Funds for 2014 Investment

Top lowest cost sector stock mutual funds 2014 for investing. Financial investment in best mutual funds with lowest fee in sector stock category for financial investing. The top funds are Hennessy Gas Utility Index fund, Fidelity Select Biotechnology fund, etc.

Top Lowest Cost Sector Stock Mutual Funds for 2014 Investment Best Cheap Sector Stock Mutual Funds

Sector stock mutual fund invests mainly in a specific industry of sector of the economy. It may invest in gold, basic materials, service, technology, utility, conglomerate, consumer staples, consumer discretionary, energy, industrials, and more. It may provide greater diversification than owning an individual stock. Some funds may have higher yield for income such as utilities sector.

These lowest cost five star bond mutual funds are sorted based on its expense ratio and top star rating. You can invest the mutual funds in your brokerage account and retirement account (Roth IRA, traditional IRA or 401k). These best mutual funds are highly volatile and may provide high rewards.

The top lowest cost sector stock mutual funds 2014 are:
  1. Hennessy Gas Utility Index Fund (GASFX)
  2. Fidelity Select Biotechnology (FBIOX)
  3. T. Rowe Price Health Sciences (PRHSX)
  4. Fidelity Select Software & Comp (FSCSX)
  5. Fidelity Select Chemicals (FSCHX)
  6. Fidelity Select Retailing (FSRPX)
  7. Fidelity Select IT Services (FBSOX)
  8. T. Rowe Price Global Technology (PRGTX)
  9. Nuveen Real Estate Securities I (FARCX)
  10. Baron Real Estate Institutional (BREIX)

September 27, 2013

Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund (DEEAX)

Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund (DEEAX) is a great bond mutual fund for financial investing. It invests mainly in long duration debts.

Top Financial Investment

The investment objective of Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund is to seek total return. This mutual fund invests mainly in corporate bonds. Its focus is on corporate bonds that have investment grade credit ratings from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). This bond mutual fund may also invest in unrated bonds, if the fund managers believe their credit quality is comparable to those that have investment grade ratings. It may also invest < 20% of its net assets in high yield corporate bonds or junk bonds.

Fund Details

    Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund - DEEAX | Top Mutual Fund
  • Fund Inception Date: 09/14/1998
  • Ticker Symbol: DEEAX
  • CUSIP: 245908835
  • Beta (3yr): 2.49
  • Rank in category (YTD): 71%
  • Category: Long-Term Bond
  • Yield: 4.30%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.95%
  • Net Assets: $ 756.3 million
  • Number of Years Up: 12 years
  • Number of Years Down: 2 years
  • Average Duration: 12.59 years
  • Average Maturity: 18.39 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 172%
Updated on September 27, 2013

September 25, 2013

BlackRock Fund Ad: Once Thought Safe Now Risky? Rethink Bonds

Find the investing review of Once Thought Safe Now Risk? Rethink your bonds, a BlackRock ad. You can find this ad at recent financial newspaper or magazine.

BlackRock Ad

BlackRock Ad: Rethink Bonds
Source: Barron's
If you read financial newspaper, you will notice a BlackRock ad about bond investment. I find this BlackRock ad about “Once Thought Safe Now Risk? Rethink your bonds” in Barron’s page 4 on August 19, 2013. The ad provides 1 mutual fund for consideration. You can invest in your financial account such as retirement account, brokerage account, or 401(k) account.

Whether it is the right choice for your investment account, you should do research and study about this mutual fund. I have provided the fund review below. Please do check the fund prospectus and fund summary profile to understand more about this BlackRock mutual fund.

The ad is as follow:
Once Thought Safe Now Risky? Rethink your Bonds.
The traditional bond funds you once considered safe investments may not be so safe anymore. Yields today are near record lows. Your income stream has slowed to a trickle. Many investments–like U.S. treasuries–aren’t even keeping pace with inflation. And if interest rates rise or inflation picks up, these once low-risk bonds could do something they’ve rarely done in 30 years–lose you money.
“So what do I do with my money?” BlackRock can help you seek out income and returns, no matter the climate. The BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund (BASIX) is

September 23, 2013

How to Increase Your Retirement Savings with IRA

Most people or investors like tax-deferred retirement account such as 401(k) plan. They can set up automatic payroll deductions at the companies for financial investment; most of the companies also offer matching contributions. Some companies may provide 50% match up to the first 6%, and some may offer 100% match up to the first 10%, etc.

With higher costs in healthcare and portfolio lowered due to economy, these plans alone may not be enough for their retirement. According to recent studies, future retiree may need 80% of their pre-retirement income per year to maintain current standard of living. To increase their retirement income, it is advisable to add additional saving plans with individual retirement accounts or IRAs.

How to Increase Your Retirement Savings with IRA | Top IRA Funds IRA Types

There two main types of individual retirement accounts such as traditional IRA and Roth IRA. Both may have each own benefits and disadvantages. Traditional IRA permits retirement contributions to grow tax-deferred until it was withdrawn. This may increase their growth potential. Investors may claim income tax deduction on their IRA contributions.

On the other hand, Roth IRA offers tax-free growth because the contributions are done with already-taxed income. There is no income tax deduction, but contributions (minus earnings) can be withdrawn without tax or penalty. It is popular for investors for college or education and retirement saving.

The eligibility to contribute to an IRA phases out above certain income level. Please check with IRS or
your financial advisor for details about the eligibility. The current annual limit per Internal Revenue Services on total IRA contributions as of 2013 is $5,500 ($6,500 for anyone 50 or older currently).

As you probably know, there is also a limit to invest in your 401(k) plan. Using IRA, you may increase your retirement saving for your future income. Currently the contribution limit to a tax deferred retirement plan is $17,500 per year. If you have reached the limit for your 401(k) contribution, investing in Roth IRA or traditional IRA is not a bad idea after all.

Top Retirement Income Funds

Some of these best funds are suitable for your investments in your retirement account:
    Top IRA Funds
  • PIMCO Total Return Fund (PTTDX)
  • Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX)
  • DoubleLine Total Return Bond Fund (DLTNX)
  • Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund (VTXVX)
  • Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX)
  • Vanguard Wellington Fund (VWENX)

Best Brokerage to Invest

Choosing a brokerage for individual retirement account (IRA) is another challenging topic. I have listed the following top fund brokers for your selection. These online brokerages are suitable for your traditional IRA or Roth IRA.

If you want to invest for your retirement account, you can choose online or discount brokerage. Some of these brokerages are:
  • Vanguard – It provides wide selection of investment funds including index fund
  • Fidelity – It provides financial services and top fund picks, you can trade stocks or bonds
  • Charles Schwab – There is no maintenance fee, you can choose low cost Schwab funds
  • Scottrade – There is low initial balance requirement, only $500 to start. There are wide selection of funds to choose from.

September 21, 2013

WisdomTree ETFs Ad: Future of Dividend Growth Funds

Find Introducing: The Future of Dividend Growth, a WisdomTree advertisement about ETF Fund in Barron’s financial newspaper. Find the ETF fund review for your long term investing or financial account.

New ETF Ad

WisdomTree ETFs Ad: Future of Dividend Growth Funds
Source: Barron's
Recently, WisdomTree advertises in Barron’s financial magazine about “The Future of Dividend Growth”. You can find this advertisement on Page M52 of Barron’s on September 9th, 2013. They provide diversified selection of dividend ETF funds including large cap fund, small cap fund, and international stocks, etc.

Some of these funds may be suitable for your brokerage account or retirement account (Roths IRA / traditional IRA). Prudent investment strategy is needed especially for long term investment. Check the fund risk and fund performance below as well.

The advertisement is as follows:
Introducing: The Future of Dividend Growth
  • DGRW - U.S. Dividend Growth Fund
  • DGRS - U.S. SmallCap Dividend Growth Fund
  • DGRE - Emerging Markets Dividend Growth Fund
  • DNL - Global ex-U.S. Growth Fund

September 19, 2013

Top High Yield Stock Closed End Funds for 2014 Investment

Top high yield stock closed end funds for investment in 2014, best income stock CEF funds. These CEF funds provide high income and growth for investors. You can buy this investment funds from your brokerages.

Top High Yield Stock Closed End Funds Best Stock Closed End Funds

Stock closed end funds are not as popular as bond closed end funds. However if you seek growth and income, stock closed end funds are the right choice. Stock CEF funds are traded like stock or stock ETFs. They are categorizes into 2 main categories: U.S. stock fund and International stock fund. From these major categories, CEF funds are divided such as preferred stock fund, value stock fund, growth stock fund, global stock fund, emerging markets stock fund, covered call fund, real estate sector fund, etc.

These top high yield stock closed end funds are selected based on its potential for income growth and capital appreciation. These stock funds are among the best performer fund for the past 5 years in its category. You will find the fund review below. These funds are great for investment during this year, 2013 as well.

Top High Yield Closed End Funds for 2014 are:
  1. John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (HTD)
  2. Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend & Income Fund (DEX)
  3. Cohen & Steers REIT and Preferred Income Fund (RNP)
Updated on September 19, 2013

September 17, 2013

Cullen Funds Ad: Be a Long Term Investors

Be a Long Term Investors, a Cullen Funds ad review. Find the fund review of each fund described in this advertisement in Barron’s financial newspaper.

Fund Ad

Be a Long Term Investors by Cullen Funds
Source: Barron's
Cullen Funds advertised a half page details about some of their funds. You can find the ads on Page 6 of Barron’s The Dow Jones Business and Financial Weekly on September 9th 2013. They provide diversified selection of funds including large value fund, mid cap fund, and international stock mutual fund. I have provided a review of each fund.

Some of these funds may be suitable for your brokerage account or retirement account. Prudent investment strategy is needed especially for long term investment. Check the fund risk and fund performance below as well.

The ad is as follows:
Cullen Funds
At the end of the day, the message is clear. Be disciplined about price, don’t overreact to headline news and be a long-term investor” Jim Cullen, Chairman & CEO
  • Cullen High Dividend Equity Fund (CHDEX)
  • Cullen Value Fund (CVLEX)
  • Cullen Small Cap Value Fund (CUSIX)
  • Cullen International High Dividend Fund (CIHDX)
  • Cullen Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (CEMDX)
Risks: Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The funds invests in foreign securities, which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. The CVLEX, CUSIX invest in small- and medium-capitalization companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility.

September 15, 2013

DFA Five-Year Global Fixed-Income Fund (DFGBX)

DFA Five-Year Global Fixed-Income Fund (DFGBX), top world bond mutual fund. It invests mainly in fixed income around the world including government and corporation debts.

DFA Bond Mutual Fund

The DFA Five-Year Global Fixed-Income Fund objective is to achieve a market rate of return for a fixed income portfolio with low relative volatility of returns. The mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase a diverse portfolio of U.S. and foreign debt securities maturing in five years or less.

This bond fund invests in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, obligations of other domestic and foreign issuers, securities of domestic or foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars but not trading in the United States, and obligations of supranational organizations.

DFA Five-Year Global Fixed-Income Fund Details

    DFA Five-Year Global Fixed-Income Fund - DFGBX
  • Fund Inception Date: 11/5/1990
  • Ticker Symbol: DFGBX
  • CUSIP: 233-203-884
  • Beta (3yr): 0.79
  • Rank in category (YTD): 11%
  • Category: World Bond
  • Distribution: 1.55%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.28%
  • Net Assets: $ 7.4 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 21 years
  • Number of Years Down: 1 year
  • Average Duration: 4.05 years
  • Average Maturity: 3.85 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 58%
Updated on September 3, 2013

September 13, 2013

Top Lowest Cost Asset Allocation Mutual Funds 2014

Top lowest cost asset allocation mutual funds 2014; best cheap balanced mutual funds for investment. The top mutual funds are: Schwab Target 2020 fund, T. Rowe Price Retirement 2005 fund, Vanguard Target Retirement 2015, etc.

Top Lowest Cost Asset Allocation Mutual FundsAsset Allocation Funds

Asset allocation mutual fund or balanced mutual fund invests mainly in a diversified portfolio of bonds, stocks and short term investment or cash. Depending upon its objective, it may invest more in stocks or more in bonds. Some funds may be more conservative or moderate than others funds.

These balanced mutual funds are popular among retiree or investors near retirement. You can invest in your brokerage account, retirement account, and 401(k) account. For your retirement account, you can invest in your Roth IRA and traditional IRA. You can invest with as little as $500 initially.

Best Mutual Funds

These lowest cost five star asset allocation mutual funds are sorted based on its expense ratio and top ranked. These best mutual funds may provide capital appreciation and income for investors.

Top lowest cost asset allocation mutual funds 2014 are:
  1. Schwab Target 2020 (SWCRX)
  2. Schwab Target 2025 (SWHRX)
  3. Schwab Target 2030 (SWDRX)
  4. Schwab Target 2035 (SWIRX)
  5. Schwab Target 2040 (SWERX)
  6. GMO Strategic Opportunities Allocation III (GBATX)
  7. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2005 (TRRFX)
  8. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2055 (TRRNX)
  9. Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Investor (VTXVX)
  10. TIAA-CREF Lifecycle Index 2010 Institutional (TLTIX)

September 11, 2013

Invesco Mutual Fund Ad: Intentional Investing in the Age of Income

Find intentional investing in the age of income, an Invesco investment advertisement about mutual fund. Check the income producing mutual funds review for your financial choice in your retirement or brokerage account.

Top Income Funds by Invesco

Invesco Investment Ads
Source: Barron's
Invesco advertises one page financial ads about “Age of Income” at Barron’s financial newspaper on September 2, 2013. It chooses three 4-stars mutual funds for target. You will find each fund review below.

Invesco has selected difference assets classes for investors to choose. It consists of equity mutual fund, alternative mutual fund, and bond mutual fund. These funds do have high yield for income and potential capital growth. Want to know my review, please check below.

While the ads is impressive, how should you approach your long term investment?

The ads contents are:
Income opportunities across asset classes:
  • Equities: Invesco Diversified Dividend Fund (LCEAX)
  • Alternatives: Invesco Global Real Estate Income Fund (ASRAX)
  • Fixed Income: Invesco High Yield Municipal Fund (ACTHX)
Overall Morningstar Rating based on risk-adjusted returns as of June 30, 2103, and derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its 3-, 5-, and 10-year rating metrics. Past performance does not guarantee future results. 
You don’t just need income. You need the right income. Look to Invesco.
To learn more about Invesco’s income products, visit invesco.com/IncomeStars or contact your financial advisor or Invesco representative today.

Fund Review

September 9, 2013

Top Performer High Yield Bond Closed End Funds Sep 2013

Top performer high yield bond closed end funds Sep 2013, best debt CEF funds for past year. The top CEF funds are Pioneer Diversified High Income fund, Credit Suisse High Yield Bond fund, etc.

Top Performer High Yield Bond Closed End Funds Best Performing Closed End Funds

High yield bond fund utilizes its assets to purchase lower quality debts issued by government or corporation. It may invests in U.S. or foreign entities. It provides high yield income for investors. You can buy CEF funds from your brokerage just like ETF funds. As part of taxable bond fund, it may have shorter duration than high quality bonds.

These top performing high yield closed end funds are sorted based on its 1 year total return. You can find other fund review information below. I have listed the expense ratio fee, yield or distribution rate, leverage, share price, NAV, holdings, top sectors, and more.

Top performer high yield bond closed end funds are:
  1. Pioneer Diversified High Income (HNW)
  2. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond (DHY)
  3. Helios Strategic Income (HAS)
  4. Babson Capital Corporate Investors (MCI)
  5. First Trust High Income Long/Short (FSD)
  6. Pacholder High Yield Fund (PHF)
  7. Pioneer High Income Trust (PHT)
  8. Dreyfus High Yield Strategies (DHF)
  9. Credit Suisse Income (CIK)
  10. Putnam High Income Securities (PCF)
  11. BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund (DSU)
  12. BlackRock Corp High Yield III (CYE)
  13. BlackRock Senior High Income Portfolio (ARK)
  14. Babson Cap Participation Investor (MPV)
  15. Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity (HYI)
Updated on September 9, 2013

September 7, 2013

Fidelity Ads of Mutual Fund: Looking for More Growth and Income

Check financial analysis of looking for more growth and income, a Fidelity Investments Ads about mutual fund. Discover each mutual fund review in the advertisement and details analysis for your retirement account or brokerage account.

Growth and Income Funds by Fidelity

Recently, Fidelity Investments have provided one page ads about growth and income place to invest at Barron’s financial newspaper (September 2, 2013 - Page 2). They have chosen three mutual funds for investors to invest. I will provide each fund review below. Only one of the mutual funds is worth to consider for long term investment. More about this information can be found below.

The ads contents are:
Fidelity Ads of Mutual FundLooking for more growth and Income? Here’s why dividends may be the answer. 40% of total stock returns come from dividends.
  • U.S. companies have $1.8 trillion in cash – the highest level in history per Morningstar, EnCorr, and FMRCo on January 2013
  • Many are using this extra cash to raise dividends – in fact, dividends have been rising faster than earnings.
  • Payout ratios are still near 50-year lows, suggesting plenty of room to rise
Choose these funds for your portfolio:
  • Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FEQIX)
  • Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio Fund (FGRIX)
  • Fidelity Strategic Dividend & Income Fund (FSDIX)

September 5, 2013

Lowest Cost Best Bond Mutual Funds for 2014 Investing

Lowest cost best bond mutual funds for 2014, top ranked fixed income mutual fund. The top bond mutual funds are State Farm Municipal Bond fund, Baird Core Plus Bond fund, Metropolitan West Intermediate Bond, etc.

Lowest Cost Best Bond Mutual Funds for 2014 Best Cheap Mutual Funds

Bond mutual funds can be divided into 2 main classes: taxable bond mutual funds, and municipal bond mutual funds. Taxable bond fund invests mainly in U.S. or foreign debts which provide interest for investors. The income from taxable bond fund is taxable by Federal income tax rate. The municipal bond fund uses its assets to purchase municipal debts issued by various U.S. states, municipalities, cities or localities. It provides tax free high income for investors.

These lowest cost five star bond mutual funds are sorted based on its expense ratio and top star rating. You can invest the mutual funds in your brokerage account and retirement account (Roth IRA, traditional IRA or 401k). These best mutual funds may provide high yield income and high capital appreciation for investors.

Top lowest cost bond mutual funds for 2014 are:
  1. Nuveen Municipal Total Return Managed Accounts (NMTRX)
  2. Wells Fargo Advantage Core Builder Series M (WFCMX)
  3. State Farm Municipal Bond (SFBDX)
  4. Vanguard Ohio Long-Term Tax-Exempt (VOHIX)
  5. Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt (VWAHX)
  6. Baird Core Plus Bond Institutional (BCOIX)
  7. Federated Intermediate Government/Corporate Institutional (FGCIX)
  8. American Independence US Inflation-Indexed I (FFIHX)
  9. Scout Core Bond I (SCCIX)
  10. Scout Core Plus Bond Institutional (SCPZX)

September 3, 2013

BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Fund (BPRAX)

BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Fund (BPRAX), top bond mutual fund with yield by BlackRock Inc. This BlackRock mutual fund invests mainly in inflation-indexed of U.S. and non-U.S. debts including government and corporation debts.

Top BlackRock Bond Mutual Fund

The BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Fund aim is to maximize real return, consistent with preservation of real capital and prudent investment management. This mutual fund utilizes its assets to purchase inflation-indexed bonds of varying maturities issued by the U.S. and non-U.S. governments, their agencies or instrumentalities, and U.S. and non-U.S. corporations.

This BlackRock fund may invest >20% of its assets in non-investment grade bonds or securities of emerging market issuers (i.e. junk bonds). The fund maintains an average portfolio duration that is within ±20% of the duration of the Barclays Global Real: U.S. TIPS Index. It is non-diversified.

BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Fund Profile

    BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Fund (BPRAX)
  • Fund Inception Date: June 27, 2004
  • Ticker Symbol: BPRAX
  • CUSIP: 091937722
  • Beta (3yr): 1.05
  • Rank in category (YTD): 35%
  • Category: Inflation-Protected Bond
  • Distribution: 1.32%
  • Capital Gains: 0%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.76%
  • Net Assets: $ 3.9 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 8 years
  • Number of Years Down: 0 years
  • Average Duration: 7.48 years
  • Average Maturity: 9.54 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 120%
Updated on September 3, 2013

September 1, 2013

Top High Yield Bond Closed End Funds 2014

Top high yield bond closed end funds for investment in 2014, best income CEF funds. These investment funds provide high income for investors. The list includes top muni bond, mortgage bond, and international bond closed end funds.

High Yield Bond CEFs | Top Closed End Funds - 2014High Yield Bond Funds

Closed end funds have been thriving since 2009. Facing the threat of the QE taper, the high yield closed end funds have dropped in value. The question is whether it is the right time to invest in these high-yield closed end funds yet. Personally, I think it is a great time to invest in some of these high-yield closed end funds. Based on several matrices, high yield closed end funds are attractive than mutual funds or exchange traded funds ETFs or even stocks.

Bond closed end funds are traded like bond exchange traded funds (ETFs) or regular stock. They are divided into several categories such as municipal bond fund and taxable bond fund. Municipal bond closed end fund provides tax free income from federal tax rate and possible state & local tax.

The taxable bond fund also provides interest income for investor however this income is subjected to federal income tax rate. The taxable bond fund divided into several classes such as multisector bond, government bond, mortgage bond, corporate bond, senior loan or bank loan, etc.

The Importance of Diversification in Investing

Diversification is a key principle in investing, and it's especially important in today's uncertain economic climate. By spreading y...