Some people buy into mutual funds for the safety of a diversified investment; others use funds' broad holdings to manage their investing risk. But those benefits aren't always guaranteed. Consider one fund in particular:
- It gained nearly 28% in 2003, and delivered market-beating returns of 13% and 14%, respectively, in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, it gained just 11%, while in 2007 it lost 4%. Not bad, eh?
- But this year, the fund is down 34% as I type this. Over the past week alone, it's down 6%.
The fund in question is Fidelity Select Insurance (FSPCX). As of the end of July, the fund had fully one-sixth of its assets invested in one of the country's biggest and most respected insurers -- American International Group
By now, we all know about AIG, whose shares have taken just a slight hit in value (to say the least). AIG stock closed at $12.14 per share on last Friday, then at $4.76 on Monday, and then at $2.05 yesterday.
Lessons for fund investors
What should we learn from this painful example? Here are a few points to consider.
First, beware of high concentrations when you invest in sector funds. Pharmaceutical fans can opt for the Fidelity Select Pharmaceuticals (FPHAX) fund, which owns shares of Johnson & Johnson
Also, don't assume that non-sector funds are immune to such damage. The Clipper (CFIMX) fund, for example, recently held some 6% of its assets in AIG, its eighth-biggest holding. Its top holding is Costco
In short, Fools: Be sure you know what your mutual funds are invested in, and make sure you're comfortable with their allocations.