Fidelity
With $1.3 trillion under management and more than 500 funds, Fidelity Investments is one of the largest mutual fund companies in the world. The old-line Boston firm also ranks as the top provider of workplace retirement savings plans and the number two discount broker.
Traditionally, Fidelity's success has been built on active management and top-performing stock mutual funds. With well-known investment stars like Peter Lynch handily outperforming their benchmarks over long periods of time, it's no wonder Fidelity is considered the 800-pound gorilla of the investing world. With size comes additional benefits. Due to the volume of transactions they make, Fidelity managers and traders are often given preferential pricing and access to the best private placements and IPO's.
But Fidelity's success can be attributed to more than just excellent investment performance. Its competitive, individualistic culture has cultivated many successful "homegrown" portfolio managers who share ideas and resources but invest independently of their colleagues. Also, Fidelity's commitment to technology and product development has created state-of-the-art customer service systems and frequent new product introductions, such as its FundsNetwork mutual fund supermarket and its unrivaled array of sector funds.
Why Fidelity Funds?
-Aggressive: Fidelity made its reputation cultivating star equity managers. The company still has the broadest array of top-performing stock funds anywhere.
-Choice: With more than 500 funds, including 40 sector funds, the nation's second largest mutual fund supermarket and the top-rated discount brokerage, Fidelity has a fund to match any objective or risk tolerance.
-Technology: With a $2 billion annual technology budget, it's no surprise that Fidelity continues to set the standard for the industry.
-Research: No firm spends more money or dedicates more resources to research than Fidelity. Their homegrown managers schooled in the "Fidelity way" are among the best, which is a double-edged sword: Fidelity also has the most manager defections.
-Personalized Service: Fidelity offers top-notch personalized service to shareholders both on the phone and in its 150-plus branches nationwide, and its online access and resources are second to none.