Article: Low yields prompt a caution call; Money market: Experts say short- term bond funds not a cash substitute

A lot of money market mutual fund owners are feeling frustrated these days. Fund yields are at some of the lowest levels ever - as little as 1 percent in some cases - and many shareholders are looking for alternatives.

One possibility is bond funds, specifically those tagged as "ultra- short" or otherwise implying a short-term focus. Indeed, many of the funds in this category boast higher yields or better returns than money market funds, making them especially attractive.

But there are significant differences between money market and short-term bond funds, and financial advisers caution against using them interchangeably.

"We don't really look at short-term bond funds as a cash substitute, ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!