Managed Account Select: Strategies

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Managed accounts vs. mutual funds and ETFs

While mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and separately managed accounts each offer professional management and a wide range of investment strategies, there are distinct differences. Consider your unique circumstances and financial needs to determine which option best suits you.

  • Mutual funds
  • ETFs
  • Separately managed accounts
  • Allows ownership of underlying securities

  • Mutual funds

    No

  • ETFs

    No

  • Separately managed accounts

    Yes
  • Allows daily transparency into portfolio holdings and transactions

  • Mutual funds

    No

  • ETFs

    Usually

  • Separately managed accounts

    Yes
  • Allows tax-loss harvesting of underlying securities

  • Mutual funds

    No

  • ETFs

    No

  • Separately managed accounts

    Yes1
  • Allows customization of portfolio contents

  • Mutual funds

    No

  • ETFs

    No

  • Separately managed accounts

    Yes2
  • Allows portability of underlying holdings

  • Mutual funds

    No

  • ETFs

    No

  • Separately managed accounts

    Yes
  • Allows potential for unwanted capital gains distributions

  • Mutual funds

    Yes

  • ETFs

    Rarely

  • Separately managed accounts

    No

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