Sunday, September 28, 2008

Invest in Dreyfus Mutual Funds

Headquartered in New York City, the Dreyfus Corporation was established in 1951. Dreyfus, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mellon Financial Corporation, is a leading mutual fund company, managing nationwide assets in excess of $190 billion. Dreyfus offers a number of mutual funds, making diversification simple.

Dreyfus Bond Funds

Know that Dreyfus bond funds include index, short-term, intermediate and long-term bond funds.

Understand that index bond funds emulate a bond market index.

Recognize that short-term funds invest in bonds with average maturities of three years or less; intermediate funds focus on bonds with average maturities of 10 years or less.

Realize that long-term bond funds are not limited to bonds of certain maturities, but typically include those with maturities of more than 10 years.

Dreyfus Equity Funds

Know that the primary investment of Dreyfus premier equity funds is common stocks. Depending on the fund in question, a growth, value or blend investment style may be employed and small, mid-cap or large-cap companies may be targeted for investment.

Realize that small-cap equity funds invest in securities issued by smaller companies. These companies may have high potential for growth, but are generally more of a risk than companies that are larger with longer track records.

Understand that mid-cap equity funds focus on medium-sized companies. Securities from such companies may offer more balanced risks versus rewards.

Recognize that large-cap mutual funds focus on investing in the largest, most stable companies. Often, these business are referred to as blue-chip companies.

Understand that growth equity funds typically invest in companies with proven profitability and established finances. These companies have great potential for earnings.

Know that value equity funds focus on stocks that are undervalued, often due to developments that are expected to be short-term in nature.

Realize that blend equity funds include both value and growth stocks, allowing a wide range of investment options.

Understand that Dreyfus index equity funds focus on matching returns from particular market indexes. Changes are made in an index fund in accordance with changes in the specific index. This method is aimed at taking advantage of the stock market's potential.

International equity funds invest in securities issued by companies in foreign markets. A fund may focus on a particular region, a specific market or several markets.

Tips & Warnings

  • Dreyfus Premier Funds are sold through investment professionals while the Dreyfus Funds are not. Both Dreyfus fund families include equity and bond funds.

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