Mutual Funds

What are mutual funds?

Mutual funds* are a collection of stocks and bonds that are funded by shareholders (unit holders). They are professionally managed and diversified to spread risk. By spreading your money over different investments and asset classes, your opportunity for growth increases as your exposure to risk decreases. By pooling your money with other investors, you join a group with similar investment goals and have more buying power to invest.

Mutual fund fees include trailing commissions as part of the management expense ratio (or MER) and a portion may be paid to your investment professional’s firm in return for investment advice and account servicing. Oculusbanks Coaches are qualified and licensed through our mutual fund dealer, Credential Asset Management Inc. Their role is to help you develop a personal investment plan, so you can make informed decisions and achieve greater results over time.

Who should buy mutual funds?

Mutual funds give investors an opportunity to invest in diversified portfolios of securities managed by professionals. This makes mutual funds a good choice for many Owners depending on their individual goals, risk tolerances and timelines.

Aren’t mutual funds risky?

Any investment involves risk. We’ll have a frank discussion about those risks but, given time and discipline, investing in the markets is one of the best ways to grow wealth over time.

Some funds, like money market funds, hold very low risk investments such as treasury bills and short-term bonds. Funds generally get progressively more risky, including fixed income funds that hold corporate and government bonds, balanced funds that hold both fixed income and equity, and equity funds that invest in stocks of various companies. In all cases there are Canadian, US, and global options, including a multitude of currency options to gain or limit exposure to foreign currency changes.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. We have a duty of care to our Owners to make sure that your investment is appropriate given your return requirements, your time horizon, and your risk tolerance among other factors.

*Mutual funds, other securities and securities related financial planning services are offered through Credential Securities, a division of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Credential Securities is a registered mark owned by Aviso Wealth Inc. Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc.