Active Funds vs. Index Funds: What You Need to Know

by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research with Justin Holt, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 8, 2009

Don't make the mistake of choosing index funds based only on 2008's numbers.
 

Why Mutual Funds Make Sense in Today's Market

by Mark W. Riepe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Center for Financial Research
June 30, 2009

Should you manage your own portfolio or own mutual funds? Most individuals could have better odds of success with professional management. 
 

Build a Tax-Smart Fund Portfolio

by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated April 20, 2009

Savvy strategies to help you boost your after-tax returns.

Mutual Funds Q&A: We Answer Your Questions

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 10, 2009

Answers to top questions about mutual funds, including bond funds, money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Keeping It Simple

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 3, 2009

How to choose among a mounting array of single-investment portfolio solutions.
 

Harvesting Losses on Mutual Funds

By James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 26, 2008 

It's no fun selling for a loss—but it may save you money come tax time.

A Matter of Style

by Justin Holt, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated November 4, 2008
 
Growth and value may cycle in and out of favor, but discipline is always in style.
 

How to Build an International Fund Portfolio

by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 26, 2008 
 
Start with developed markets. Add a dollop of emerging markets and small-caps.
 

Managed Accounts vs. Mutual Funds

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 20, 2008 

Both offer professional management. See how they differ and which is right for you.

Tax-Savvy Fund Investing

by Michael Iachini, CFA, CFP®, Director, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 27, 2008

Keep more of your gains with these tax-smart fund strategies.
 

Watch Out for Fund Expenses

Michael Iachini, CFA, CFP®, Director, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 19, 2007
 
Learn what you're paying for—and when it's worth the price. The answer varies by expense type and fund category.
 

Look Beyond the Stars

Michael Iachini, CFA, CFP®, Director, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 31, 2007

Many investors might just look for funds with high Morningstar ratings and call it a day. But what could be wrong with five-star funds?
 

Prevent the Pack-Rat Syndrome

Michael Iachini, CFA, CFP®, Director, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
January 5, 2007

A collection of historically high-performing funds does not necessarily make a well-diversified portfolio and can greatly increase risk.
 

The After-Tax Performance of Mutual Funds: Why It's Important

by James D. Peterson, PhD., Vice President, Mutual Fund Research, Schwab Center for Investment Research® and by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
September 2, 2003
 
If you’re trying to choose an appropriate fund for a taxable account, you need to know which factors influence a mutual fund’s after-tax performance.