The Best Mutual Fund Families

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I strongly recommend for you to look at Barron's rankings. Franklin Templeton was #1 for the last decade, American Funds was #10, Vanguard not so much.

Trish of GA 10:49PM June 30, 2010

I am heavily invested i american express funds. still down 22%. should i think about changing my advisor who receives a large brokerage fee ?.........BC

Barbara Garner of NY 11:37AM April 04, 2010

they are good too?

rama of NJ 3:49PM March 15, 2010

I have done tons of research, and the listed top mutual funds companies are the ones that are the most consistent and solid over the long term, > 15 years; when looking at average holding of mutual funds shares for investors its about 2.5 years, so most investor really never see the true returns of their mutual funds. I have been in American funds for over 8 years now, and am now seeing some big returns even after the big crash 07-08-09. The rebound the market has taken has taken the American fund family up with it. The other thing that I really like is the cash position that American funds holds. This allows for investing in stocks that are priced low due to market variations, and allow for more money making avenues.
No matter where you go, one is going to pay investing fees some where and some how, it just depends on how comfortable you are. As for me, I use an investment advisor to keep me consistent and well diverisfied amongst high quality mutual funds, so that I reap the greatest amount of returns, for the least amount of risk.
Otherwise I would be jumping in and out of funds all of the time, and not be well-diversified.

Jayson Cordrey of CA 5:28PM December 21, 2009

Can't believe Dodge & Cox is not included. Moderate expense ratios, excellent longterm record, low minimums, no shady gimmicks.

Gmabit of CA 1:26PM October 03, 2009

After spending over 30 yrs serving These Advisors and HNW people?
1. 33% into RealEstate ( Your Home an then a 2nd home for rental prop)
2. 33% invested into a couple of Moderate Balanced Funds ( 50/50 mix) since 90% of People are out of their League Investing their own $ into the Market.
3. 33% spend to support and enjoy your's and Families Life.
and Have your Wealthier Relatives w/o kids over for Dinner Once a Month..

Limoman of IL 8:35AM September 30, 2009

Many advisors tend to avoid mentioning Vanguard because Vanguard does not pay a sales fee/commission. In contrast (albeit American Funds is a solid and reliable fund company) the individual investor can only purchase its fund(s) through an advisor/registered representative. So take such a survey with a grain of salt.

Peter of CA 9:18AM September 01, 2009

All you need is Vanguard, and all you need are low-cost index funds/ETFs assembled in a diversified portfolio. Forget all of the managed mutual funds. They'll underperform and charge you for the privilege.

tom of MO 9:47AM August 02, 2009

Muser should refer to the list of mutual fund companies. On the advice of a respected attorney over 20 years ago I contacted his American Funds representative and have never regretted it. My holdings seemed to lose less than the average investor's, in the current recession, and I expect them to continue to come back over time.

Jill of CA 7:12PM August 01, 2009

"It's certainly the wave of the future . . . being able to trade all day long," he says.
This literally may be where "investing" is going. Good for traders, good for the active providers of funds and trading services. But for the passive investor who needs relative safety and steady return?

Muser of NM 3:01PM July 30, 2009