Mutual funds don't get a lot of virtual ink around here, and it's a pity. Funds are many investors' only exposure to the stock market. We also happen to have a pretty snazzy newsletter run by Shannon Zimmerman, who cut his teeth working as an analyst for Morningstar (NASDAQ:MORN).

I have no beef with mutual funds. I own two of them, in fact. For exposure in developing markets where I just wouldn't feel right going it alone, I own shares in the now-closed Oakmark International Small Cap (FUND:OAKEX). I also recently bought a small piece of Greenspring Fund (FUND:GRSPX) to profit from a proven management team that snaps up stakes in out-of-favor companies through equity and convertible bond investments.

So even though I know where I stand when it comes to mutual fund investing, not all Fools agree. This week, Tim Beyers argues in favor of mutual funds, while Chuck Saletta feels that your investing dollars are better off somewhere else.

Do mutual funds belong in your portfolio? That's what this week's Duel is all about.

Duel on!