All Courses > Funds > 100
Funds 106: Methods for Investing in Mutual Funds

Test your knowledge

Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer to each question.

0%
Keep studying!
Review your answers below to learn more.
1.
When they both have the same amount of money to invest, a lump-sum investor will always outperform a dollar cost averager because of the fact that he started earlier and could therefore take advantage of time.
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
False. In cases where the price of the investment fluctuates up and down, the averager can actually outperform the lump-sum investor because he is sometimes buying more shares as the price drops.
2.
To successfully outperform the market by timing, Morningstar found that an investor's calls must be right _______.
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
Two thirds of the time. Because stocks go up more often than they go down and because of the effects of compounding, market-timers can't just get their calls right half the time and outperform. They must be right two thirds of the time. That's a lot.
3.
Why might dollar-cost averaging be useful if you are trying to get into a mutual fund with a $5,000 minimum initial investment and you don't have anything near that amount?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
The fund might waive its minimum initial investment requirement if you agree to set up an automatic investment plan and invest a little each month or quarter. Many funds will give you this option.
4.
Market timing means investing your money only when you sense that the time is right.
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
True. Market timing is difficult to do.
5.
Which of the following statements is false?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
Dollar-cost averaging always leads to better returns than lump-sum investing. In a rising market, a lump-sum investor will earn more than someone who is dollar-cost averaging into a fund will. However, dollar-cost averaging limits risk, instills discipline, and often allows investors to get into high-minimum funds for less.