What is a mutual fund?

A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that consolidates money from numerous investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. This pooling of resources allows individual investors to access a broader range of investments and benefit from professional management by fund managers.

Investing in mutual funds can offer diversification, which helps spread out risk, as well as potential for growth based on the collective performance of the securities within the fund. It’s particularly appealing for those who may not have the expertise or resources to manage their investments alone.

The other options describe various financial tools but do not encapsulate the essence of a mutual fund. A safe deposit box is a secure storage option for valuable items; a single stock investment focuses on one specific company rather than a diversified approach; and an individual retirement account serves as a specific tax-advantaged savings account for retirement. These options highlight different aspects of personal finance but do not define what a mutual fund is.