What is the difference between a mutual fund and a money market fund?

Economics Mutual Funds Questions



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What is the difference between a mutual fund and a money market fund?

The main difference between a mutual fund and a money market fund lies in their investment objectives and the types of securities they invest in.

A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. The objective of a mutual fund is to generate capital appreciation or income for its investors over the long term. Mutual funds can have various investment strategies and risk levels, and they are managed by professional fund managers.

On the other hand, a money market fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in short-term, low-risk securities such as Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper. The primary goal of a money market fund is to provide investors with a safe and liquid investment option that preserves capital and offers a modest level of income. Money market funds are considered to be relatively low-risk investments compared to other mutual funds.

In summary, while both mutual funds and money market funds are types of investment funds, the key difference lies in their investment objectives and the types of securities they invest in. Mutual funds aim for long-term capital appreciation or income through a diversified portfolio, while money market funds focus on preserving capital and providing liquidity through short-term, low-risk securities.