Mutual Funds Weekly: If You Think You Can Pick The Next Hot Fund, Think Again

Don’t miss these top money and investing features:

That old Yogi Berra quip about how “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded” applies neatly to stock investing, and illustrates why it’s so difficult even for investment pros to beat the market.

So many super minds and superhuman computers are chasing the same market opportunities in a constant quest to outperform. It’s difficult in this crowd to filter the noise and make investment decisions that truly stand out. In fact, the only thing above-average for many mutual funds is the management fee they charge, which just adds another hurdle to the race.

Read more about why stock picking is a “loser’s game,” and check out what to watch for when buying a mutual fund — and what to watch out for. Then, learn about the unique risks of investing internationally, hear more reasons why it’s difficult to be a better-than-average investor, and get familiar with basic income — a controversial idea designed to ease people’s financial insecurity.

— Jonathan Burton

INVESTING NEWS & TRENDS
Don’t be fooled: Stock picking is still a loser’s game

The expensive myth of active management

Don’t be fooled: Stock picking is still a loser’s game

You’re so vain — I bet you think investing’s about you

Don’t let your portfolio hurt your feelings.

You’re so vain — I bet you think investing’s about you

Mutual funds: Everything you need to know

When choosing mutual funds, few aspects are within investors’ control. Future performance isn’t one of them. But expenses, risk, manager tenure and tax-efficiency are qualities that can be judged before you buy.

Mutual funds: Everything you need to know

Owning a home can give you a place to hide from a bear market for stocks

Residential real estate typically holds its value when stocks slump.

Owning a home can give you a place to hide from a bear market for stocks

Ignore the ‘blockchain gimmicks’ say the men behind the new blockchain ETFs

Some of the most remarkable moves in the U.S. stock market over the past few months have been in companies announcing an initiative related to blockchain, the decentralized ledger technology best known as the foundation behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Ignore the ‘blockchain gimmicks’ say the men behind the new blockchain ETFs

SEC shoots down idea of bitcoin ETFs, citing volatility

Wall Street’s top regulator on Thursday all but shut the door to approving exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, questioning whether the products could comply with rules meant to protect mom-and-pop investors.

SEC shoots down idea of bitcoin ETFs, citing volatility

Stock-market investors ignore good news in this one sector, Goldman says

The U.S. stock market has enjoyed strong gains thus far in 2018, with nearly every one of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors higher on the year. However, one sector, which has been lagging behind the market despite positive earnings news, could be poised for a pronounced move higher.

Stock-market investors ignore good news in this one sector, Goldman says

Four stock picks from a money manager focused on dividend growth

Don Taylor of the $19.4 billion Franklin Rising Dividends Fund seeks companies with especially strong businesses.

Four stock picks from a money manager focused on dividend growth

Meet the Rodney Dangerfield of retirement investing

TIPS may have disappointed investors in recent years, but that’s not the whole picture.

Meet the Rodney Dangerfield of retirement investing

Big risks of international investing

Meb Faber of Cambria Investment Management explains that an investment adviser’s most challenging task may helping them guard against taking undo risks in buying foreign assets.

Big risks of international investing

Gundlach: What Trumponomics Means for Stocks in 2018

DoubleLine CEO Jeffrey Gundlach tells Barron’s that he expects stocks to end the year in the red.

Gundlach: What Trumponomics Means for Stocks in 2018

Why stock pickers almost never beat the market

Everyone wishes they could be the one to invest in a company that explodes in value. Here’s why the odds are stacked against stock pickers, and exactly what you should do to change your investment strategy.

Why stock pickers almost never beat the market

Basic income: The free money experiments

Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Richard Branson and other tech titans are promoting the idea of universal basic income, as a way to help citizens weather job disruptions caused by emerging technologies. WSJ’s Jason Bellini checks in on this free money experiment.

Basic income: The free money experiments

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