Mutual funds bear risks of varying degrees based on their types. Generally, potentially high returns mean potentially high risks. Therefore, the choice of mutual fund type (A or B) and kind (equity, bonds and bills, liquid, variable, etc.) must match risk and return preferences.
The past performance of a mutual fund is one indicator of its profitability. Data on daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly returns should be examined and compared with returns on alternative investments. Such data are widely available, and are even published in newspapers and magazines.
However, the past performance of a mutual fund cannot be taken as an infallible indicator of its future performance. Daily price and efficiency fluctuations must not influence the choice of mutual funds. Particularly mutual funds heavily invested in equities should be regarded as medium- and long-term instruments of investment.
Detailed information on mutual funds is available at HSBC Branches and through HSBC Telephone Banking (444-0-111).