Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds: Building Blocks to Wealth offers a synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature primarily on mutual funds but also discusses related investment vehicles, especially ETFs. In this edited volume, noted scholars and practitioners write chapters in their areas of expertise. It interweaves the contributions of multiple authors into an authoritative overview of important but selective topics. Readers will gain an in-depth understanding of mutual funds and ETFs from experts from around the world. Based on research-based evidence, this is not intended to be a "how to" book; instead, it is a scholarly and in-depth approach to important investment subjects. Although the book places greater attention on these different types of investments in the United States, it also examines them in a global context.
In today's financial environment, mutual funds and ETFs are dynamic areas that continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Because the flow of materials on the subject is voluminous, this book, by necessity, must be selective because it cannot cover every aspect of this field. However, readers can gain important insights about each investment vehicle including its structure and uses, performance and measurement. Beyond these core topics and issues, the book also examines the latest trends, cutting-edge developments, and real-world situations. Given its broad scope, this practical and comprehensive book should appeal to investors, investment professionals, academics, and others interested in mutual funds and ETFs. In particular, this book should help investors make key asset allocation decisions while capturing the benefits of a highly diversified, well-constructed, lower-cost portfolio of complementary strategies that enhance financial wealth.
Industry Reviews
"The problem with mutual funds and ETFs is their vast number. There are more funds holding U.S. stocks than are stocks listed on the major U.S. exchanges. This quandary makes books such as Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds essential reading for scholars and practitioners. Many books are available on this subject, but this book is the most comprehensive."
-- Richard A. Ferri, CFA, Founder and Director of Investing at Portfolio Solutions, LLC
"This is a well done, scholarly, and detailed book on the history, evolution, and academic research on mutual funds and ETFs. It will serve as a wonderful textbook for college courses, and it will help investors make better choices on asset allocation, fund choices, and investment strategies."
-- Larry Swedroe, Director of Research of the BAM Alliance and the author or co-author of 15 books on investing, including The Incredible Shrinking Alpha
"This book is a compendium of a large spectrum of high-quality thought on the industrial organization, regulation, performance, and evolution of the mutual fund industry. It is a must-have for academics, fund employees, and regulators, as well as investment advisors and serious investors in mutual funds. I highly recommend it."
-- Russ Wermers, Professor of Finance, University of Maryland, author of Performance Evaluation and Attribution of Security Portfolios
"An invaluable reference for academics and practitioners interested in learning more about the changing landscape of investing with ETFs and mutual funds."
-- Ananth Madhavan, Global Head of iShares Research, BlackRock
"This book is a collection of thorough analyses of the niches of mutual fund and ETF investing and the issues confronting the investor in these vehicles. Notable are its clear graphs, easily digestible writing, imaginative insights, and meticulous editing."
-- Ed Tower, Professor of Economics, Duke University
