Mutual Funds

In my years of analyzing investments and advising clients, I’ve seen a common pattern: investors often choose mutual funds based on a compelling story or a dazzling track record of past performance. This is a dangerous way to invest. Past performance is, as the required disclaimer states, not indicative of future results. The real due […]

I have spent my career navigating the intricate world of finance, and I often return to a simple truth: the most powerful investment ideas are built on a foundation of sound, timeless principles. Mutual funds are a perfect embodiment of this. Their enduring popularity isn’t a marketing triumph; it is the direct result of a

Throughout my career, I have found that most investors understand what a mutual fund does—it pools money to buy securities. But few understand how it is built. This underlying structure is not just corporate minutiae; it is the critical framework that dictates everything from regulatory compliance to the safety of your assets. It is the

In my career, I’ve found that the world of investing is often obscured by its own language. Terms are thrown around with the assumption that everyone understands them, but this jargon can be a significant barrier for those looking to take control of their financial future. Mutual funds are no exception. To make informed decisions,

In my years on both sides of the interview table—as a candidate and as someone evaluating talent for financial roles—I’ve learned that the simplest questions about mutual funds are often the most revealing. They aren’t just tests of memorized definitions; they are windows into a candidate’s foundational understanding of how investing works. A recruiter isn’t

In the world of investing, few comparisons reveal as much about risk, regulation, and accessibility as that between hedge funds and mutual funds. To the public, they are often just “funds,” but from my perspective inside the industry, they operate in different universes with different rules, different goals, and, most importantly, different clients. My aim

In my years of analyzing portfolios and advising clients, one question surfaces with relentless frequency: “What is the real difference between an ETF and a mutual fund?” The financial industry often blurs the lines, marketing them as interchangeable products. They are not. While they share the core function of providing diversified, pooled investment, their underlying

I have guided countless individuals and institutions through the complex landscape of investment vehicles. In this journey, one vehicle remains a cornerstone of the modern portfolio: the mutual fund. Its simplicity is its genius, but that simplicity belies a sophisticated structure with specific, defining characteristics. My aim here is not to just list these traits

I have spent decades analyzing asset management firms, not just by their performance charts, but by the philosophical bedrock upon which they are built. The industry is filled with managers chasing trends, explaining away losses with market narratives, and promising future returns based on past luck. It is a noisy place. Then, there are firms

In my career analyzing investment managers, I have observed a universal truth: the most successful strategies are often the most disciplined, and few firms embody discipline as rigidly as Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss (BHMS). In an era dominated by growth stocks and speculative fervor, their unwavering commitment to classic, deep-value investing is both a