International Funds Still the Story in Mutual Fund Flows

January 30, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Stock funds once again benefited from strong cash inflows, but only thanks to the continued allure of international offerings.

Stock funds posted an inflow of $10.65 billion in December, compared with an inflow of $10.78 billion in November (see  Mutual Fund Growth in November Similar to October ). Among stock funds, world equity funds (U.S. funds that invest primarily overseas) posted an inflow of $13.12 billion in December, versus an inflow of $11.02 billion in November.  

However, funds that invest primarily in the U.S. suffered an outflow of $2.47 billion in December, compared with an outflow of $237 million in November.  

Combined Assets Grow

The combined assets of the nation’s mutual funds increased by $132.8 billion, or 1.3%, to $10.414 trillion in December, according to the Investment Company Institute (ICI).  

Hybrid funds posted an inflow of $1.72 billion in December, close to November’s pace, and bond funds enjoyed an inflow of $8.80 billion in December, compared with an inflow of $6.85 billion the month before.  

Bond funds had an inflow of $8.80 billion in December, compared with an inflow of $6.85 billion in November.  Money market funds had an inflow of $41.53 billion in December, compared with an inflow of $54.83 billion in November. Funds offered primarily to institutions had an inflow of $29.29 billion. Funds offered primarily to individuals had an inflow of $12.24 billion.

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