Funds or Single Issues? April 11, 1999. Independent investors are getting a little more skeptical of mutual funds. The returns on many funds are not beating the averages. So, what they are doing is buying and maintaining their own portfolio's. Like I wrote in back issues, funds are getting anywhere between 3% to 7% year to date. However, single issues, because of tech stocks, are earning a whooping 30% to 70% returns year to date. That is a big difference! Will it continue is anybody's guess. From where I stand, tech is going to be the new game in town for the next 10 years. But of course, many investors do not want to put their money into these high voltage stocks that may tank at anytime. High risk is not their nature. So what do you do? You want to hold good stocks and not get into a mutual fund, yet have the fun of doing everything yourself? And be totally diversified? Salomon Smith Barney offers these suggestions, and I concur that this is a good group of companies: BankAmerica Corp (BAC); Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO); Compaq Computer (CPQ); LM Ericsson AB (ERICY); Fluor (FLR); Intel (INTC); Masco Corp (MAS), McDonald's (MCD), Pfizer Inc. (PFE); Philip Morris Cos (MO), Promus Hotel Corp (PRH); Raytheon Co (RTN/A); Schlumberger Ltd (SLB); Temple-Inland Inc (TIN). George

Resources The 100 Best Mutual Funds You Can Buy - 2000 Edition - The fact that there are more mutual funds in existence than there are stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange is testimony to the mutual fund's continued success as a profitable investment opportunity. Mutual Funds - Related article about mutual funds.     Our editorial goal is to provide a forum for investment ideas. Our articles, columns, and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Kolias & Co of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances.    Privacy Policy | © 1998-2002, Kolias & Co | Liability Disclaimer