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Investing Crosses the Rubicon: Free Index Funds

Fidelity's move has more symbolic than economic significance, signifying important shifts underway in the fund industry.

Jeffrey Ptak

Executive Summary

  • Fidelity is launching two new index funds that give investors free exposure to the U.S. and international equity markets.
  • The move has more symbolic than economic significance, signifying important shifts underway in the fund industry.
  • The zero-cost index funds appear to be a good deal, but investors should be aware of other fees that can add to the all-in cost of implementing an investment plan.

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