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The article explains how investors can utilize exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to boost returns and hedge their bets. ETFs are mutual funds that trade on exchanges as stocks do. According to the author, ETFs are arguably the most successful financial product in recent history with investors around the world holding more than 1.3 trillion in ETFs. The author adds that ETS give investors more control over their taxes.

The article reports on the expected increase in cash dividends of several companies in the U.S. in 2010. It indicates the possible increase in cash dividends is due to the rising profit of Corporate America and economic recovery in the country. An example would be the 368 dividend-paying members of the Standard & Poor's Corp. (S&P) 500 who will be giving 212 billion dollars in cash.

The article offers 3 lessons in understanding funds through mutual fund devotee Tim Pollard. In the first lesson, Pollard cites several benefits from mutual fund including higher stock returns, expert brainpower, and transparency. The second lesson provides guidelines on selecting funds including picking funds with good performance, looking for funds with calendar-year decile ranks, and funds with fewer assets. Lesson 3 advises to sell funds when the portfolio manager leaves, asset bloats, and stock overlaps.

The article presents five strategies to minimize investment risks. These strategies include merger arbitrage, managed futures, and long-short stock funds. According to the author, merger arbitrageurs purchase a target's shares after a deal has been announced and hold until the merger is accomplished. The author adds that most managed-futures investors depend on momentum strategies by betting that investments that have been gaining will continue to rise.

The article details the intention of the management team of Newport Beach, California-based Pacific Investment Management Co. to make the investment company a royalty in all regions of the mutual fund (MF) market in the U.S. The company has hired stock managers Charles Lahr and Anne Gudefin as part of a multilayer initiative to evolve into a more complete provider of global investment solutions for its clients. In addition, the company is considering to launch more hedge-fund-like mutual funds in addition to its Total Return and Global Multi-Asset.

The article focuses on the performance of mutual funds that invest in small foreign companies in the U.S. Oakmark International Small Cap I (OAKEX) has posted a ten-year, annualized gain of 10.1 percent. T. Rowe Price International Discovery (PRIDX) has reported a 4.9 percent annualized gain. Other funds that are mentioned are Vanguard International Explorer (VINEX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index (VFSVX).

The article advises investors about several well-managed balanced funds (BF) in the U.S., which offer portfolio stability and security. One is Vanguard Wellington, which has 48 billion dollars in assets and is one of the largest BF in the nation. Another is T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Balanced which invests in both large- and small-capitalization domestic and foreign stocks. Also mentioned are Oakmark Equity & Income and Mairs & Power Balanced.

The article focuses on the smart ways for investing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. It defines ETFs as mutual funds that are traded on stock exchanges. It cites the four strategies for using ETFs which include building a solid core, cutting one's taxes, making a tactical bet and fine-tuning one's bonds. Also included are the advantages of using ETFs that would give one more control over their taxes.

The article features five all-in-one flexible bond funds called multisector funds. It discusses the market status of various bonds and the best type of investor they are best suited for it including Loomis Sayles Bond (LSBRX) and Osterweis Strategic Income (OSTIX). It mentions that typical flexible bond fund is more volatile but investors should consider having a multisector fund that can be invested in any part of the fixed-income marketplace along with their high-quality bonds.

The article discusses the growth prospects of small companies and the long-term returns that can be gained from them. According to the author, micro-cap stocks have delivered a historical return of 14 percent annualized as compared to big companies' 10 percent gain. Micro-cap stocks that are cited include Royce Micro-Cap, Aegis Value, Oberweiss Micro-Cap, and Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company Market

The article offers several tips on how investors can soften the impact of the changes in the taxation law in the U.S. starting January 1, 2013. It claims that the health-care-reform law mandates a 0.9% surtax on wages and other earned income for individuals earning over 200,000 dollars and couples earning over 250,000 dollars. Among the tips are selling one's assets, distributing dividends, and purchasing an insurance wrapper.

The article offers information on several balanced funds which could be considered to avoid the instability of the market in the U.S. including Vanguard Wellington, Oakmark Equity & Income I, and Mairs & Power Balanced Fund Inc. Vanguard is one of the largest funds with 43 billion dollars in assets. The Oakmark fund held just 41 stocks which are balanced by the Department of Treasuries. Mairs & Power Balanced is focusing on companies in the Midwest and is holding stocks for ten years.

A quiz concerning quotes from famous people is presented.

The article discusses factors to consider when to hold a fund or when to fold. Various tips are presented which include selling stock funds which are the riskiest, sizing up the performance of one's fund against its peers, and considering the fund's expense ratio. The author also suggests that before selling fund, there should be a plan for the cash.

The article focuses on municipal bonds where their interest is generally exempt from federal income taxes. State and local governments and related agencies to finance general operations or public projects issue these bonds. The article also features several municipal mutual funds with low expenses including both open-end funds such as Fidelity Intermediate Municipal Income (FLTMX) and closed-end funds such as Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2 (NXQ).

This article features couple Bob and Melissa Kenches and how they deal with capital gains distributions taxes. It discusses how the couple makes money from home-sales. It explains how capital gains distributions from mutual funds are taxed in the U.S. It says that the couple did not have an idea on how much taxes they owe to the government in capital-gains distributions generated from their nine mutual funds. It advises couples to pay their taxes before they are due.