BROKERING RAW DEALS?
If you ever wondered why a broker pitched one mutual fund over another, you're not alone. The SEC, according to the Wall Street Journal, is looking into instances of fund companies paying brokerages to push their products with extra zeal. The agency is also worried that funds might be overspending on trades to reward brokerages for fund sales. You could get hit with lower returns and higher fees, so ask funds about "exclusivity agreements."
CURVE BALL FROM THE IRS
One of Mark McGwire's unexpected triumphs last week was exposing the intricacies of the gift tax. The guy who...