Mark:
Don't worry, I wasn't "taking anything to heart"...Now, back to mutual funds.
There are so many ways to examine which is better, staying within a fund family or going outside to pick up a solid performer elsewhere:
1. Investment objectives/styles: does the fund family have a central "theme" in all of their funds that might hinder thier performance with a particular style? Look at PBHG...if i were a value fund investor, i'd invest my money somewhere else.
2. Minimum and subsequent investment requirements. PBHG allows me to add with as little as $25. That gives me flexibility.
3. Customer Service. Does the fund offer automated information for investors?
4. Fees. If Emerging Growth makes 15% this year, I'll have 13.5% in my account due to the 1.5% expense ratio. If another fund makes 14% with a 0.5% expense ratio, I'm be making the same amount on my investment.
5. Are you talking about regular accounts or IRAs? If IRAs, then the administrative fees must be considered, too.
6. Tax efficiency must be considered for regular accounts.
There's obviously so much to examine. I, myself prefer what's "best" in terms of a fund rather than a fund family. But, on the other hand, it's more convenient to invest with a fund family. If I were a value investor, I'd invest with Vanguard; moderate growth, Janus; aggressive growth, PBHG, which is where I am at right now.
Your "ideas" and "opinions" are greatly appreciated. Keep them coming.
Thanks in advance...Michael |
