U.S. Equity Index Fund
Objective & Strategy
Objective
Reflects performance of the broad U.S. equity market.
Strategy
This fund invests in stocks that mirror the MSCI U.S. Broad Market Index. This index is a widely recognized benchmark of overall U.S. stock performance representing approximately 99.5% of the full capitalization of the U.S. equity market. The fund is broadly representative of the U.S. equity market and holds stocks (equities) of both large, well established companies, as well as those of smaller companies. Because it seeks to mirror, rather than outperform, the broad market, it uses a passive style of investing. This means that the fund manager does not choose between stocks on the basis of which stocks are likely to perform better or worse than others. Although the fund seeks to track the index, its results will be lower due to investment and administration expenses. The net return will be the result of general market performance, less investment and administration expenses.
Opportunities
Opportunities
Historically, over long periods of time, the U.S. equity (stock) market has tended to provide higher returns than other investments, such as bonds or money market funds. While there is no guarantee that this will be the case in the future, investment theory suggests that higher returns over the long term are a key reason investors would select an option like this one.
Risks
Risks
All securities investments risk the loss of capital. Since this fund is invested entirely in equities (stocks), the chance of losing a percentage of your original investment is much higher than with some other investment options.
The stock market can be volatile. Over long periods of time investors may enjoy higher returns than other options. However, investors can also lose more money than in some other options. Sharp and unpredictable changes in value, either positive or negative, can be especially acute over shorter periods of time.
*If you are uncomfortable with the risks associated with the U.S. Equity Index Fund, you may want to consider another MMBB investment option.*
Fund Performance
Fund Performance
The performance of the U.S. Equity Index Fund for varying lengths of time is summarized below. The longer the time period, the more likely it encompasses varying economic and market conditions.
| 1-Month | YTD | 1-Year | 3-Years | 5-Years | 8-Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Equity Index Fund | 3.02% | 12.83% | 6.75% | 23.87% | 1.98% | 5.11% |
| US Equity Index Fund Custom BM | 3.06% | 12.94% | 7.34% | 24.51% | 2.49% | 5.59% |
While it is valuable to view investment performance over long-term time horizons, looking at shorter time periods can give one insight as to how returns may fluctuate over shorter time periods. The table below displays calendar year returns.
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Eq Index | -21.06% | 30.57% | 11.77% | 6.07% | 15.26% | 5.04% | -37.23% | 28.26% | 16.50% | 0.48% |
| Custom Benchmark | -20.86% | 31.64% | 12.48% | 6.34% | 15.72% | 5.59% | -37.04% | 28.76% | 17.28% | 1.08% |
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance is for the stated time period only; performance through the current date may be lower or higher than displayed above due to market fluctuations, manager performance or other reasons.
Money Managers
Money Managers
From time to time MMBB contracts with one or more external managers to execute the investment strategy for the U.S. Equity Index Fund. Recently the roster for this investment option included:
Vanguard
Annual Expenses
Annual Expenses (As of December 31, 2011)
| Investment Management Fees | 0.05% |
| MMBB Administrative Charge | 0.50% |
| Other Expenses | 0.13% |
| Sales Charge (Load) on Purchases | None |
| Deferred Sales Charge (Load) | None |
| Short-term or Other Redemption Fee | None |
| Distribution, or 12b-1, Fee | None |
| Dealer Commission (percent of offering price) | None |
| Low Balance Account Service Fee | None |
| Total Annual Operating Expenses | 0.67% |