Key Points to Remember

• Mutual funds are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other government agency — even if you buy through a bank and the fund carries the bank's name. You can lose money investing in mutual funds.
   
• Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. So don't be dazzled by last year's high returns. But past performance can help you assess a fund's volatility over time.
   
• All mutual funds have costs that lower your investment returns. Shop around, and compare many of the costs of owning different funds before you buy.