In Brief: Dec. 4, 2000

BIODIVERSITY Specialty health funds have outperformed all major fund categories this year. The average health fund, according to Morningstar, has 25% of its portfolio in biotechs. But if you're already invested in this volatile sector, a more diversified equity fund--which on average holds only 1.6% in biotechs--could help spread your risk. Be careful how you choose. Some so-called diversified funds will only increase your exposure.

Overexposed Funds

BIOTECH RETURNS FUND EXPOSURE (%) YTD (%) 1999 (%)

Ortibex Growth A 36.87 -22.48 98.39 Pilgrim Sm-Cap Oppt T 18.56 -11.15 145.51 Howard Equity 17.16 -24.65 42.09 Perm Portfolio Aggr Gr 15.79 -5.25 31.60

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