| The year 2008 was an eye opener for many | | | | Metals has been one of the best funds of this |
| investors and financial experts who watched the | | | | year and over the past 10 years. The fund has |
| markets lose several thousand points in a matter | | | | shown a consistent 14% return and a current |
| of months and many, many individual stocks losing | | | | dividend of 8.3%. Since gold is now at an |
| 50% or more of their value. Stocks that actually | | | | extremely high level, this fund will continue to |
| made steady gains during this period could be | | | | thrive.o The New Alternatives Fund seeks |
| counted on one hand. Trying to maintain a steady | | | | companies that focus their efforts in eco-friendly |
| portfolio can be hard work at any time, but during | | | | ways of doing business, renewable energy |
| times like those it can be a nightmare. | | | | sources, and energy conservation and |
| People who owned mutual funds during this period | | | | environmental protection. Green energy will be |
| were safer than most because mutual funds | | | | booming in the next 2 decades and beyond and |
| generally spread their investment monies across | | | | any investments in this area can be very |
| the board to many different investments and | | | | profitable.o Franklin Utilities Fund has a dividend of |
| types of investments. | | | | 4% and an annual yield of 5.17% which is several |
| If you are considering investing, or reinvesting if | | | | times better than many funds. Utility companies |
| you pulled out during the economic downturn, you | | | | have always been and are sure to remain solid |
| will want to look for mutual funds with a good | | | | investments for those interested in stability and |
| cash flow, either through bonds or dividends. This | | | | steady, predictable income sources.o Any |
| is a very important factor if stocks go back into | | | | municipal bond fund is a good choice. While bond |
| a decline. The bonds can supply interest and the | | | | rates have increased recently they continue to be |
| dividends have an income of yield percentage. | | | | a great way to collect regular interest and keep |
| Here are a few different funds that did well last | | | | your principle safe. |
| year. Take you time and research each one to | | | | Mutual funds are one of the safest investments |
| find out if it's financial goals match yours. This list | | | | during times of economic instability. Finding a fund |
| is compiled on the funds future potential and long | | | | that fits your needs should not be difficult with |
| term performance.o Franklin Gold and Precious | | | | more than 10,000 funds available. |