Many investors already consider short-term bond funds an alternative to money market funds because of their higher yields and similar investment profiles. Read More

Investors often overlook convertible securities because they don’t understand how these instruments work or don’t think they offer enough upside. Properly managed, convertibles have a place in any portfolio. Read More

A diverse product line and strong international business are reason enough to invest in this company, but analysts forecast that health care reform could expand the firm's US revenues by as much as 20 percent over the next decade. Read More

David Rolley, part of the management team of Managers Global Bond (MGGBX), gives us his take on US-Sino relations and the simmering European crisis. Read More

Exchange traded funds (ETF) have a lot going for them—more diverse than a single stock, more dynamic than a mutual fund, great liquidity for hedge and trading positions. Read More

Although it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon when things are improving, remember to be fearful when others are greedy. Read More

China’s GDP grew a massive 11.9 percent in the first quarter of 2010. A major contributor to that rapid growth was the nation’s huge stimulus program, that was dispersed much more quickly the US version. What's more, the monies stayed in China, boosting Chinese businesses. Read More

ETFs represent a challenge to mutual funds' dominance of the retirement-vehicle industry. They also provide efficient ways for individual investors to get exposure to stocks, bonds, commodities and even hedge-fund type strategies. Read More

These are the top funds in five major categories, ranked according to three-year returns. Read More