Fidelity FundsNetwork Adds CRA Qualified Investment Fund
The financial supermarket Fidelity FundsNetwork now
features a unique alternative for individual investors who are looking
to make a difference: the CRA Qualified Investment Fund (CRAIX).
The $630-million mutual fund focuses entirely on the
high-quality, fixed-income credit securities that are used in U.S.
cities and towns to finance urgently needed projects–including
affordable housing, small business job creation, health care,
environmental conservation and schools–that benefit low-income
neighborhoods and other struggling communities.
Fidelity FundsNetwork joins Charles Schwab and TD
Waterhouse, both of which also have added the fund to their platforms
since mid-2004. The presence of CRAIX on the highly visible Fidelity
FundsNetwork is expected to result in a major boost in interest in the
fund among socially responsible investors and other individuals who
want to put their portfolio assets to work in support of an improved
quality of life in America‚s communities.
Managed by Florida-based CRAFund Advisors, the CRA
Qualified Investment Fund is recognized as a Lipper Leader for total
return and consistent returns. Through June 30, 2005, CRAIX has a 6.18%
annualized return since inception (in 1999), a 6.14% one-year return
for calendar year 2004 and a 6.72% five-year annualized return.
For more information about the CRA Qualified
Investment Fund, visit www.crafund.com, or call CRAFund Advisors at
(877) 272-1977.
PSD Offers Innovative Coaching Program To Registered Reps
Pacific Select Distributors Inc. (PSD), in
conjunction with its affiliated broker-dealers, is offering registered
representatives an exclusive coaching program that will help them
improve personal performance and achieve greater financial success for
them and their clients.
The program, offered in partnership with top
producer Ron Carson and practice management expert Steve Sanduski of
Peak Productions, will provide insight and guidelines that help
participants increase productivity, systematize their offices, improve
client communication and kick-start their desire to perform at the very
top of their game.
For more information on Peak Productions, visit www.peakproductions.com.
CashEdge Adds Capabilities To Wealth Management Suite
TransferNow, the inter-institution transfer solution
for banks and credit unions from CashEdge (www.cashedge.com), is now
available to wealth management firms through the CashEdge Wealth
Management Suite.
TransferNow enables transfers between more than
23,000 financial institutions, as well as third-party and recurring
transfers backed by CashEdge‚s advanced risk management. It automates
the authentication of the user and the accounts, manages risk and moves
funds.
CashEdge has offices in New York and Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit www.cashedge.com.
The American College Adds FSS Program Course
The American College is offering a new course as
part of its Financial Services Specialist (FSS) designation. The
course, Foundations of Financial Planning; an Overview, is one of three
required for the FSS program and is the first of two new courses
created specifically for the designation by The College, in Bryn Mawr,
Pa.
The Financial Services Specialist (FSS) designation
is a new educational program designed to provide financial services
professionals in the insurance, securities and banking industries with
the high-impact sales skills and introductory technical knowledge. For
more information, The American College at www.TheAmericanCollege.edu or
NAIFA at www.NAIFA.org.
Rydex Expands Product Lineup With Commodities And Currency Investments
Rydex Investments has added three new products to
its mutual fund lineup. Rydex Commodities Fund, Rydex Strengthening
Dollar Fund and Rydex Weakening Dollar Fund expand the opportunities
for diversification beyond stocks and bonds by providing exposure to
the commodities market and enabling tactical investments in the
currency markets.
Rydex manages $13 billion in assets via 51 mutual
funds, including two ETFs, as well as a registered fund of hedge funds.
For more information, call 800.820.0888 or visit
www.rydexinvestments.com.
Franklin Templeton Introduces Franklin MidCap Value Fund
Franklin Templeton Investments has introduced the
Franklin MidCap Value Fund, managed by the longstanding equity value
team led by Bill Lippman. Other team members include Bruce Baughman,
CPA; Stephen Madonna, CFA; Margaret McGee; and Don Taylor, CPA.
The fund seeks long-term total return by investing
at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of
mid-capitalization companies. The fund‚s benchmark is the Russell Mid
Cap Value Index.
Investors interested in Franklin MidCap Value Fund
may obtain a prospectus from securities dealers or by calling Franklin
Templeton at (800) 342-5236.
ADVISOR EMPORIUM
September 1, 2005
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