Curating the Best: A Strategic Approach to Fund Selection

This chapter explores the strategic methodology for selecting exceptional investment funds by screening key indicators such as expense ratios, manager tenure, and risk levels. Emphasizing the need for higher standards in fund selection, it aims to guide listeners towards improved investment outcomes.

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It can sometimes seem like there’s an endless number of mutual funds for you to invest in. But not all of them are a right fit for your portfolio—and some aren’t worthy investments at all. A popular feature from Morningstar’s FundInvestor newsletter greatly shrinks the list and can help you home in on the winners. Russ Kinnel is the newsletter editor and senior principal of ratings for Morningstar Research Services. And he’s here to brag about his thrilling funds list.

On this episode:

Let’s begin with the idea behind the thrilling funds list. How did this get started, and what’s the mission?

You start with thousands of fund share classes. How do you narrow the list to a few dozen, and what are you looking for?

Thirty-three funds met your high standards and made the cut, and they’re all repeats. Did that surprise you?

What kept some funds off this year’s list?

A select group of these standouts are making big bets. Let’s start with the only thrilling fund from the diversified emerging-markets category.

A trio of foreign large growth funds from Fidelity are focusing heavily on financials and industrials. What’s their story, and what makes each of these unique?

Can you describe the funds that are wagering big time on the tech sector?

The healthcare sector has struggled this year. But some funds from Vanguard, Fidelity, and Dodge & Cox appear ready to benefit from a rebound, right? Talk about those funds.

Where should fixed-income investors look if they’re tweaking that side of their portfolio?

Which income and dividend-focused funds are outshining their category peers?

And finally, how can the audience test the funds in their portfolio against your thrilling list?

Read about topics from this episode.

The Thrilling 33

How Smart People Screen for Funds

Stop Screening Funds This Way

Worried About a Market Selloff? These 10 Funds Reduce Portfolio Risk

The Big Secret to Long-Term Investment Success

Holy Smokes! These Funds Could Get Barbecued

4 New Funds on Our Radar

Morningstar Medalist Rating for Funds