July 31, 2015

10 Best Option Strategies Closed End Funds in 2015

Find 10 best option strategies closed end funds in 2015. Top CEFs are Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund.

Top Covered Call Funds

Covered call closed end funds are also known as buy write funds. The vast majority of funds are devoted to owning common shares and writing calls against their holdings. In general these funds write call options against 40-95% of their portfolios.

These top closed end funds are selected based on its year to date performance in 2015 (up to July 26, 2015). You may find other information such as expense ratio fee, portfolio turnover rate, management or index approach, performance, etc. You can find the fund review and comparison below.

The 10 best option strategies closed end funds in 2015 are:
    Best Option Strategies Closed End Funds in 2015
  1. Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK)
  2. Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II (EOS)
  3. Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETV)
  4. Voya Global Advantage and Premium Opportunity Fund (IGA)
  5. Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (ETB)
  6. Nuveen S&P 500 Buy-Write Income Fund (BXMX)
  7. Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund (ETY)
  8. BlackRock Enhanced Capital & Income Fund (CII)

July 29, 2015

Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH)

Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (OIH) is a popular exchange traded fund. This fund invests in stocks of energy related companies. The Oil Services Index is comprised of common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies in the oil services sector. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign companies that are listed on a U.S. exchange.

This equity fund is tracking Market Vectors US Listed Oil Services 25 Index. This fund may be not diversified. The total net assets are $1.44 billion. The current dividend yield is 2.19%. The annual expense fee is 0.35%.

OIH Fund Profile

    Market Vectors Oil Services ETF | OIH
  • Fund Inception Date: 12/22/2011
  • Ticker Symbol: OIH
  • CUSIP: 678002106
  • Rank in category (YTD): 32%
  • Category: Equity Energy
  • Yield: 2.19%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 0.35%
  • Total Assets: $ 1.09 billion

July 27, 2015

Top 15 American Funds Mutual Funds in 2015

See top 15 American Funds mutual funds in 2015. These best mutual funds are American Funds SMALLCAP World Fund, American Funds Growth Fund, etc.

Best American Funds

These best American mutual funds in 2015 are selected based on its performance history for the past 1 year. The funds may be ranked by other financial websites such as Morningstar, US News, Forbes, etc. You may find the fund review below and other fund information.

Top 15 American FundsTop 15 American Funds Mutual Funds in 2015 are:
  1. American Funds SMALLCAP World Fund (SMCWX)
  2. American Funds Growth Fund (AGTHX)
  3. American Funds AMCAP Fund (AMCPX)
  4. American Funds New Economy Fund (ANEFX)
  5. American Funds Fundamental Investments Fund (ANCFX)
  6. American Funds American Mutual Fund (AMRMX)
  7. American Funds New Perspective Fund (ANWPX)
  8. American Funds Investment Company of America Fund (AIVSX)
  9. American Funds Washington Mutual Fund (AWSHX)
  10. American Funds High-Income Municipal Bond Fund (AMHIX)

July 26, 2015

Tech & BioTech Stocks are Holding Up in Week 30, 2015

Will tech & biotech stocks stay up? Top stock market industries in week 30, 2015 are catalog & mail order houses, drug delivery, etc.

Top Technology Stocks

This post will look into the top performing stocks, industry, and sector. The S&P 500 index has a weekly return of -2.19%. NASDAQ Composite has a weekly return of -2.33%. Dow Jones Industrials Average has a weekly return of -2.84%. The small cap (Russell 2000) has a return of -3.23%.

Top 25 stock industries in week 29, 2015 (July 20, 2015 to July 26, 2015) are:
    Tech Stocks
  1. Photographic Equipment & Supplies 9.67%
  2. Catalog & Mail Order Houses 6.88%
  3. Drug Delivery 5.48%
  4. Appliances 3.87%
  5. Accident & Health Insurance 3.51%
  6. Technical & System Software 3.22%
  7. Diagnostic Substances 2.41%
  8. Specialty Eateries 2.40%
  9. Security Software & Services 1.64%
  10. Broadcasting – Radio 1.49%
  11. Diversified Computer Systems 1.15%
  12. Networking & Communication Devices 1.15%
  13. Textile - Apparel Clothing 0.99%
  14. Consumer Services 0.99%
  15. Data Storage Devices 0.88%

July 25, 2015

Top 10 Stock Brokers for 2015 & 2016

Find top 10 stock brokers for 2015 & 2016. Best online brokerages are TD Ameritrade, Fidelity, and Merrill Edge.

Popular Online Brokerage

Finding the right online broker is not an easy job for traders or investors. You need to find a company you can rely. The brokerages need to provide access to every asset class you intend to trade, and they can’t charge high commissions or fees. Some may provide special features like research reports, analytic software, banking, credit card, and a mobile app.

To help you find the best broker for your needs, MEPB Financial reviewed every online trading firm. We had used variables for this list. We have created the overall rankings for these top stock brokers.

Top 10 stock brokers for 2015 & 2016 are:
    Top 10 Stock Brokers for 2015 & 2016
  1. TD Ameritrade
  2. Fidelity
  3. Merrill Edge
  4. OptionsHouse
  5. Charles Schwab
  6. Scottrade
  7. TradeKing
  8. Interactive Brokers

July 23, 2015

EV Tax Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT)

EV Tax Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT) is a popular closed end fund. This Eaton Vance fund invests mainly in dividend paying common and preferred stock. The fund’s objective is to provide current income and capital growth.

This fund has a share price of $20.60. It has a high yield of 6.72%. The yield is distributed on monthly basis. This top closed end fund is managed by Michael A. Allison, John H. Croft, John D. Crowley, and Edward J. Perkin. The current market price is trading at 10.59% discount to its NAV (Net Asset Value). The total expense ratio fee is 1.37% per year.

EVT Fund Profile

    EV Tax Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | EVT
  • Fund Inception Date: 09/30/2003
  • Ticker Symbol: EVT
  • CUSIP: 27828G107
  • Rank in category (YTD): 25%
  • Category: US Equity Tax-Advantaged
  • Distribution Rate: 6.74%
  • Effective Leverage: 21.03%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Base Expense Ratio: 1.15%
  • Net Assets: $ 2.15 billion

July 21, 2015

Top 15 Emerging Markets Bond ETFs in 2015

See top 15 emerging markets bond ETFs in 2015. These best exchange traded funds invests in debts issued by developing countries.

Best EM Debt Funds

Emerging markets bond ETFs invest mainly in debts issued by emerging markets countries such as China, Brazil, India, Russia, etc. These bond funds may invest in corporate and government debts.

These top performing ETFs are sorted based on its year to date return (up to July 18, 2015). You can find the best exchange traded fund review from this article. Other fund information can be found below such as expense ratio, Morningstar rating, fund’s NAV, fund’s holdings, yield, etc.

Emerging Markets Bond ETFsTop 15 emerging markets bond ETFs in 2015 are:
  1. Market Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM)
  2. iShares Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (EMHY)
  3. ProShares Short Term USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMSH)
  4. PowerShares Chinese Yuan Dim Sum Bond ETF (DSUM)
  5. iShares Emerging Markets Corporate Bond ETF (CEMB)
  6. SPDR BofA Merrill Lynch Emerging Markets Corporate Bond ETF (EMCD)
  7. Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF (VWOB)
  8. Global X GF China Bond ETF (CHNB)
  9. WisdomTree Emerging Markets Corp Bond ETF (EMCB)
  10. Market Vectors ChinaAMC China Bond ETF (CBON)

July 20, 2015

IQ Global Oil Small Cap ETF (IOIL)

IQ Global Oil Small Cap ETF (IOIL) is an equity energy exchange traded fund. This ETF invests in stocks of oil sector companies. It uses its assets to purchase global small cap companies engaged in the oil sector, including in the areas of exploration and production, refining and marketing, and equipment, services and drilling. This equity fund is tracking the IQ Global Oil Small Cap Index.

This index fund has $5.24 million of assets. Its dividend yield is 1.66%. The annual expense ratio fee is 0.76%. The current share price is $16.20.

IOIL Fund Profile

    IQ Global Oil Small Cap ETF | IOIL
  • Fund Inception Date: 05/05/2011
  • Ticker Symbol: IOIL
  • CUSIP: 45409B842
  • Rank in category (YTD): 6%
  • Category: Equity Energy
  • Yield: 1.66%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 0.76%
  • Total Assets: $ 5.24 million

July 19, 2015

NASDAQ Stocks Are Going Up in Week 29, 2015

NASDAQ stocks are moving higher again. Top stock market industries in week 29, 2015 are internet information providers, biotechnology.

Top NASDAQ Equities

This post will look into the top performing stocks, industry, and sector. The S&P 500 index has a weekly return of 2.42%. NASDAQ Composite has a weekly return of 4.25%. Dow Jones Industrials Average has a weekly return of 1.86%. The small cap (Russell 2000) has a return of 1.22%.

Top 25 stock industries in week 29, 2015 (July 13, 2015 to July 19, 2015) are:
    NASDAQ Stocks
  1. Internet Information Providers 17.83%
  2. Semiconductor- Memory Chips 12.43%
  3. Photographic Equipment & Supplies 7.76%
  4. Catalog & Mail Order Houses 7.15%
  5. Biotechnology 6.97%
  6. Internet Service Providers 5.35%
  7. Electronic Equipment 4.60%
  8. Dairy Products 4.58%
  9. Home Health Care 4.36%
  10. Research Services 4.02%
  11. Conglomerates 3.58%
  12. Rental & Leasing Services 3.56%
  13. Major Airlines 3.56%
  14. Specialty Retail, Other 3.49%
  15. Auto Dealerships 3.47%

July 17, 2015

Top 14 Closed End Funds in 2015

See top 14 closed end funds in 2015. These best funds are Cornerstone Total Return, Tekla Life Sciences Investors, etc.

Best Funds

Closed end funds are similar to exchange traded funds. They may offer value for investors though yield and discounted value from its NAV (Net Asset Value). These funds are traded like stock.

These best performing closed end funds are sorted based on its year to date return in 2015 (up to July, 13 2015). You may find other fund review information: expense ratio, fund’s NAV, management, objective, yield, top holdings, etc.

Top 14 closed end funds in 2015 are:
    Top 14 Closed End Funds in 2015
  1. Cornerstone Total Return (CRF)
  2. Tekla Life Sciences Investors (HQL)
  3. Tekla Healthcare Investors (HQH)
  4. Cornerstone Strategic Value (CLM)
  5. JH Financial Opportunities (BTO)
  6. Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund (JEQ)
  7. Japan Smaller Capitalization (JOF)
  8. New Ireland Fund (IRL)
  9. Herzfeld Caribbean Basin (CUBA)
  10. EV Tax-Managed Global Buy Write Opportunities (ETW)
  11. BlackRock International Growth & Income (BGY)
  12. Aberdeen Israel (ISL)

July 15, 2015

Dodge & Cox Global Stock Fund (DODWX)

Dodge & Cox Global Stock Fund (DODWX) is a popular international stock mutual fund. This equity fund invests mainly in a diversified portfolio of equity securities issued by companies from at least three different countries, including emerging markets countries.

This Dodge & Cox Global Stock Fund utilizes its assets to purchase 40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. companies and will invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks, preferred stocks, certain securities convertible into common stocks. The fund objective is to provide long-term growth of principal and income.

DODWX Fund Profile

    Dodge & Cox Global Stock Fund | DODWX
  • Fund Inception Date: 05/01/2008
  • Ticker Symbol: DODWX
  • CUSIP: 256206202
  • Beta (3yr): 0.79
  • Rank in category (YTD): 65%
  • Category: World Stock
  • Distribution Yield: 1.24%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 0.65%
  • Net Assets: $ 6.2 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 5 years
  • Number of Years Down: 1 year

July 14, 2015

Top 12 Vanguard ETFs in 2015

Find top 12 vanguard ETFs in 2015 based on its year-to-date performance. These best exchange traded funds are among leaders sectors.

Best Vanguard Funds

These best Vanguard ETFs in 2015 are selected based on its performance in 2015 (up to July 11, 2015). These Vanguard funds have low expense fee. You can buy these index funds from your brokerages. Some of the funds are ranked with 3 star rating or higher by Morningstar. You may find the fund review below and other fund information.

Top 12 Vanguard ETFs in 2015 are:
    Top 12 Vanguard ETFs in 2015
  1. Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT)
  2. Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG)
  3. Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG)
  4. Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK)
  5. Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)
  6. Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)
  7. Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IVOG)
  8. Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL)
  9. Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK)
  10. Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS)

July 12, 2015

Top 25 Stock Market Industries in Week 28, 2015

Top stock market industries in week 28, 2015 are drug stores, major airlines. Do you need to invest in these industries?

Top Sector Stocks

This post will look into the top performing stocks, industry, and sector. The S&P 500 index has a weekly return of 0.03%. NASDAQ Composite has a weekly return of -0.23%. Dow Jones Industrials Average has a weekly return of 0.19%. The small cap (Russell 2000) has a return of 0.31%.

Top 25 stock industries in week 28, 2015 (July 6, 2015 to July 12, 2015) are:
    Top 25 stocks in week 28, 2015
  1. Drug Stores 7.70%
  2. Basic Materials Wholesale 7.46%
  3. Major Airlines 4.02%
  4. Surety & Title Insurance 3.52%
  5. Regional Airlines 3.35%
  6. Diagnostic Substances 3.28%
  7. Advertising Agencies 3.04%
  8. REIT – Industrial 2.98%
  9. REIT - Healthcare Facilities 2.80%
  10. Cigarettes 2.78%
  11. Electronics Stores 2.71%
  12. Drug Manufacturers – Other 2.71%
  13. Multimedia & Graphics Software 2.69%
  14. Research Services 2.67%
  15. Grocery Stores 2.57%

July 11, 2015

T Rowe Price Retirement 2015 Fund (TRRGX)

T Rowe Price Retirement 2015 Fund (TRRGX) is a popular target date mutual fund. This balanced fund invests in a diversified portfolio of other T. Rowe Price stock and bond funds that represent various asset classes and sectors.

This T Rowe Price Retirement 2015 Fundis managed based on the specific retirement year (target date 2015) included in its name and assumes a retirement age of 65. It may provide yield for income.

TRRGX Fund Profile

    T Rowe Price Retirement 2015 Fund (TRRGX)
  • Fund Inception Date: 02/27/2004
  • Ticker Symbol: TRRGX
  • CUSIP: 74149P796
  • Beta (3yr): 1.04
  • Rank in category (YTD): 8%
  • Category: Target Date 2011-2015
  • Yield: 1.76%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 0.63%
  • Net Assets: $ 10.2 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 8 years
  • Number of Years Down: 2 years
  • Annual Turnover Rate: 14.70%
This T Rowe Price fund has $10.2 billion of total net assets. The dividend is 1.76% per year. It has 5-stars and gold rating from Morningstar. The portfolio turnover rate is low, only 15%. This mutual fund is also known as fund of funds.

July 9, 2015

Fidelity Diversified International Fund (FDIVX)

Fidelity Diversified International Fund (FDIVX) is a popular mutual fund. This fund invests mainly in non-US stocks. It invests in different countries and regions. The fund objective is to provide capital growth.

This Fidelity fund has a yield of 1.03%. The fund manager is William Bower since 2001. Total net assets are $25.9 billion. Its expense fee is 0.92%. The portfolio turnover rate is 39%. The current NAV is $38.90. This no load fund is open for new investors.

FDIVX Fund Profile

    Fidelity Diversified International Fund | FDIVX
  • Fund Inception Date: 12/27/1991
  • Ticker Symbol: FDIVX
  • CUSIP: 315910802
  • Beta (3yr): 0.89
  • Rank in category (YTD): 46%
  • Category: Foreign Large Growth
  • Distribution Yield: 1.03%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 0.92%
  • Net Assets: $ 25.9 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 16 years
  • Number of Years Down: 7 years

July 7, 2015

Best T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds 2015 & 2016

Find best T. Rowe Price mutual funds 2015 & 2016. Top TRP funds are T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Fund, T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund, etc.

Top Performing TRP Mutual Funds

T. Rowe Price provides a wide selection of over 90 no load mutual funds to investors. It provides either actively managed funds, index funds, brokerages, retirement services, etc. Investors can choose these funds for asset diversification. It also offers low cost option for long term investment.

You can find these popular T. Rowe Price mutual funds for different sectors such as U.S. stock fund, sector stock fund, municipal bond fund, target date funds, etc. Depend on your risk tolerance; you may pick and choose from this best T. Rowe Price funds list.

We review rankings from Morningstar, Lipper, Zacks, TheStreet.com, U.S. News, and Standard & Poor’s. You can learn from our methodology from variety of our previous articles.

Best T. Rowe Price mutual funds 2015 & 2016 are:
    Best T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds 2015 & 2016
  1. T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Fund (PRWCX) 16.00%
  2. T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund (TRBCX) 21.02%
  3. T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Fund (RPMGX) 18.69%
  4. T. Rowe Price Diversified Small Cap Growth Fund (PRDSX) 19.95%
  5. T. Rowe Price Summit Municipal Income Fund (PRINX) 6.19%
  6. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2005 Fund (TRRFX) 8.46%
  7. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2010 Fund (TRRAX) 9.51%
  8. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2015 Fund (TRRGX) 11.02%
  9. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2020 Fund (TRRBX) 12.33%
  10. T. Rowe Price Retirement 2025 Fund (TRRHX) 13.46%

July 5, 2015

Defensive Stocks Roar

Nothings are working during week 25, 2015 except defensive stocks. Should you rotate to these value stocks or wait for opportunity? Top stock market industries are apparel footwear & accessories textile, residential REIT.

Top Value Equities

This post will look into the top performing stocks, industry, and sector. The S&P 500 index has a weekly return of -1.16%. NASDAQ Composite has a weekly return of -2.01%. Dow Jones Industrials Average has a weekly return of -0.84%. The small cap (Russell 2000) has a return of -2.67%.

Top performing stock industries in week 24, 2015 (June 8, 2015 to June 14, 2015) are:
    Value Stocks
  1. Tobacco Products, Other 6.63%
  2. Textile - Apparel Footwear & Accessories 2.93%
  3. Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing 2.39%
  4. Office Supplies 1.85%
  5. REIT – Residential 1.66%
  6. Confectioners 1.62%
  7. REIT - Hotel/Motel 1.53%
  8. Resorts & Casinos 1.45%
  9. Water Utilities 1.38%
  10. Electric Utilities 1.34%
  11. REIT - Healthcare Facilities 1.13%
  12. Research Services 0.93%
  13. Home Furnishing Stores 0.80%
  14. Machine Tools & Accessories 0.66%
  15. Industrial Equipment & Components 0.61%
  16. Home Furnishings & Fixtures 0.58%
  17. REIT – Retail 0.58%
  18. Hospitals 0.58%
  19. REIT – Industrial 0.51%
  20. Entertainment – Diversified 0.47%

T Rowe Price Retirement 2025 Fund (TRRHX)

T Rowe Price Retirement 2025 Fund (TRRHX) is a popular target date mutual fund. This balanced fund invests in a diversified portfolio of other T. Rowe Price stock and bond funds. It may invest in various asset classes and sectors.

This T Rowe Price Retirement 2025 Fund is managed based on the specific retirement year (target date 2025) included in its name and assumes a retirement age of 65. It may provide yield for income.

TRRHX Fund Profile

    T Rowe Price Retirement 2025 Fund (TRRHX)
  • Fund Inception Date: 02/27/2004
  • Ticker Symbol: TRRHX
  • CUSIP: 74149P788
  • Beta (3yr): 1.26
  • Rank in category (YTD): 4%
  • Category: Target Date 2021-2025
  • Yield: 1.50%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 0.70%
  • Net Assets: $ 17.74 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 8 years
  • Number of Years Down: 2 years

July 3, 2015

Best 12 World Bond Mutual Funds 2015

World bond mutual funds are investing in debts around the world. The debts are issued by government or corporation. Some of the best funds are rated among the top mutual funds by Morningstar or U.S. News.

Top Performing International Bond Funds

World bond funds invest >40% of their assets in foreign bonds. Some world bond funds follow a conservative approach. They invest in high-quality bonds from developed markets. Other funds may invest in some lower-quality bonds from developed or emerging markets (i.e. high yield bonds).

These top world bond mutual funds are sorted based on its 3 year performance up to May 17, 2015. You can find the fund review, management information, expense fee, sales load, etc. I also provide the table for the fund performance below.

Best 12 world bond mutual funds 2015 are:
    Best World Bond Mutual Funds 2015
  1. Chou Income Fund (CHOIX)
  2. Henderson Strategic Income Fund (HFAAX)
  3. Templeton Global Total Return Fund (TGTRX)
  4. Morgan Stanley Global Fixed Income Opportunities Fund (DINAX)
  5. PIMCO Foreign Bond (US Dollar-Hedged) Fund (PFOAX)
  6. Templeton Global Bond Fund (TPINX)
  7. Dreyfus/Standish Global Fixed Income Fund (DHGAX)
  8. Payden Global Fixed Income Fund (PYGFX)
  9. PIMCO Global Bond (US Dollar-Hedged) Fund (PAIIX)
  10. T. Rowe Price Strategic Income Fund (PRSNX)

July 1, 2015

Fidelity Small Cap Discovery Fund (FSCRX)

Fidelity Small Cap Discovery Fund (FSCRX) is a popular U.S. stock mutual fund. This Fidelity fund invests mainly in equity of small market capitalizations companies. The companies are similar to those companies with market capitalizations similar to companies in the Russell 2000 Index or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

This domestic stock fund has a yield of 0.25%. Its expense fee is 1.01%. This fund has no sales load. The portfolio turnover rate is only 17%. With assets of $6.1 billion, the fund manager is Charles L. Myers.

FSCRX Fund Profile

    Fidelity Small Cap Discovery Fund (FSCRX)
  • Fund Inception Date: 09/26/2000
  • Ticker Symbol: FSCRX
  • CUSIP: 315912600
  • Beta (3yr): 1.08
  • Rank in category (YTD): 46%
  • Category: Small Blend
  • Distribution Yield: 0.25%
  • Capital Gains: -
  • Expense Ratio: 1.01%
  • Net Assets: $ 6.1 billion
  • Number of Years Up: 11 years
  • Number of Years Down: 3 years

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