PROJECT:



PROJECT: BUYING A MUTUAL FUND

GUIDELINES:

Part 1 - Each student will conduct a study on mutual funds. The analysis is broken down into two parts. Part one requires the student to research one particular category of mutual funds. For this category, the student will generate two to three paragraphs explaining the main points about their specific category of fund. Internal documentation should be demonstrated throughout, with a minimum of six different sources used to explain the type of fund.

Part 2- The student is to then begin researching actual mutual funds within the type of fund identified in part one of their analysis. A comparison/contrast format should be followed as the student analyzes individual mutual fund companies and funds. For instance, a student researching growth funds in part one should look at three different growth funds from three different mutual fund companies. Researching the companies’ web sites, the student will generate an analysis of the different loads, management fees, investment builder programs and minimum investments required. Capital Gain & dividend payout rates and dates, fund volatility, and class shares (a, b, or c) should also be included. Historical performance should be compared against like funds and a broad market indicator. All of the items presented within your notes should be analyzed for each fund in addition to other characteristics obtained from your research. The project(s) that present(s) the most thorough analysis between the three funds will be recognized as the top project(s) in the class. Every other project will be compared to the best project(s). Students are expected to include exhibits within their analysis to present their information on each of the funds. Lastly, the student should indicate which of the funds that they would place an investment in, with a corresponding explanation as to why. , in addition to the respective mutual fund company’s web site and other credible internet sources, can be used to obtain valuable information.

Minimum structural requirements for this project are as follows:

1. Introduction Paragraph (3 to 5 sentences)

2. Part I – Explanation of a Specific Type of Mutual Fund – 2 to 3 Paragraphs (4 to 8 sentences each). This section should take no more than 1 pages of your 5 page analysis.

3. Part II – Fund Comparison/Contrast – Minimum 2 to 3 Paragraphs for each of the 3 funds with an embedded object (i.e. – graph or illustration) for each of the 3 funds.

4. An Embedded Table Summarizing the Key Points of each of the 3 funds located on page 6. The table/chart is the only item that will appear on page 6.

5. “The Decision” - Closing Paragraph – Announcement of Fund Selection with Supporting Details – Length: 1 Paragraph (4-8 sentences).

Your analysis should be no more than six pages in length. Any analysis that goes beyond 6 pages will be penalized 15%. The Works Cited will be page 7 and will not count against the page requirement. You MUST have a minimum of 12 sources for the entire project. Internal documentation and an appropriate works cited are required. These two areas account for 5% of the overall grade for parts 1 and 2 combined. *Footnotes will not be accepted as internal documentation for this project. If you have any questions about how to include the appropriate internal documents format, please see me prior to the deadline.

DEADLINE: Monday, April 16, 2018.

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