Genealogy of Mutual Funds

Abstract

Mutual funds emerged as early as the second half of the 18th century in The Netherlands since then Mutual Funds have evolved and undergone various structural changes. Exchange traded funds which is the youngest member of the family pedigrees of mutual fund not only mesmerized astute world over but also provided a deadly weapon to Arsenal of investors to counter market conditions that too with minimum risk. Time and again mutual fund industry has provided something which has proved to be savior to the investors with modest means. The paper presents genealogy of mutual funds from its predecessors-The Contract of Survival and Plantation Loans-to the Exchange Traded Funds the new entrants to its pedigree.