Introduction Chapter 17, “Investing in Mutual Funds, Commodities, Real Estate, a

Introduction
Chapter 17, “Investing in Mutual Funds, Commodities, Real Estate, and Collectibles,” looks at investments used by individual investors as part of a diverse investment strategy. This chapter presents information on mutual funds and on other asset classes that may play a role in an individual investment strategy.
Reading Assignment
Read Chapter 17 of the Personal Finance textbook by Rachel Siegel and Carol Yacht.
1. Discussion Forum Question
Review the material in Chapter 17 on Investing in Mutual Funds, Commodities, Real Estate & Collectibles. Answer one of the following in approximately 100 words.
What are the general purposes of using mutual funds in individual investment portfolios?
OR
What are the three basic structures of mutual funds?
OR
What information is found in a mutual fund prospectus?
Go to the Discussion Forum for Unit 8 and engage in a dialogue with your classmates on the above issues. After you post your answer, you are expected to rate and reply to at least three of your classmates’ posts.
2. Learning Journal Task
Distinguish between direct and indirect investments in real estate.
AND
Identify at least two main ways to invest in real estate indirectly in your country.
Answer in approximately 250 words.