How to use the fund data Total return measures the change in the value of an investment, assuming that distributions of dividends and capital gains were reinvested. Returns, minimum investments and expense data are as of the last trading day of the previous month. Fund category reveals how the portfolio manager intends to invest the fund's assets and gives you a sense of how risky the fund may be.
Balanced funds invest for income by holding bonds as well as stocks.
Sector funds limit investments to one industry or economic sector. Utility funds own primarily stocks of utilities and usually emphasize yield. Diversified International stock funds invest primarily in stocks of companies based outside the U.S. Specialized International stock funds invest in a single country or region of the world. Global stock funds can invest in the U.S. as well as overseas. Mortgage funds own mortgage-backed securities, such as Ginnie Maes or collateralized mortgage obligations.