How to Invest in Morgan Stanley Mutual Funds

Morgan Stanley has been providing financial services since 1935. For decades, Morgan Stanley has helped to lead the way in expanding global markets, providing an array of services to investors on both the individual and institutional level. Today, Morgan Stanley offers a full range of investment products and services, including mutual funds. In fact, the company offers in excess of 2,000 mutual fund options from over 100 different companies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Money to invest

Morgan Stanley Mutual Fund Categories

1. Understand that Morgan Stanley offers mutual funds in equity, global/international, income, tax-free, asset allocation, and specialty investment categories. Liquidity funds are available as well.

2. Know that under the equity heading, Morgan Stanley offers growth, value, core and index mutual funds.

3. Understand that under the global/international category, Morgan Stanley offers a variety of global funds that invest in both American and foreign markets. International funds typically invest solely in foreign markets.

4. Know that Morgan Stanley offers a range of income funds dedicated to the generation of current income.

5. Get to know Morgan Stanley tax-free mutual funds. These funds seek high levels of current tax-free income.

6. Understand that asset allocation funds may use strategic or tactical strategies. These funds are typically highly diversified, featuring stocks, bonds, commodities and real estate.

7. Get to know Morgan Stanley specialty mutual funds. These funds typically concentrate on a single industry category.

8. Understand that funds in Morgan Stanley's liquidity fund focus on generating high income while keeping principal protected. These funds can offer you easy access to your money.

Choosing Mutual Funds

9. Visit MorganStanleyIndividual.com and review the categories in which mutual funds are available.

10. Choose mutual funds that meet your objectives and review the information provided.

11. View information regarding the funds that interest you. You'll find a fund overview, facts, prices and performance and distribution data for each available fund. You'll also find growth charts, holding details and risk information.

12. Request prospectuses for the funds that interest you.

13. Determine the amount you want to invest and contact Morgan Stanley to open an investment account. Alternatively, you may purchase shares through your broker.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter how well a mutual fund is managed, there is no assurance of success. Keep this mind as you consider the level of risk you can afford to take.
• Before you invest, consider the amount you will pay in taxes and fees. Subtract these expenses from the money you have to invest to determine the amount of your actual investment.