In Brief

EQUITY BUFFERS While bonds haven't historically provided the same high return as stocks, they are proving their worth this year in reducing a portfolio's volatility. Consider funds with intermediate-high-quality corporate bonds and government bonds; these funds are not only low risk but are also up an average of 6.54% for the year. Junk bonds, on the other hand, are down 5.87%.

BOND FUND -- YTD RETURN -- 5-YEAR RETURN*
Exeter Defensive A -- 9.04% -- 6.47%
Pilgrim GMNA Income A -- 8.02% -- 6.84%
GMO Domestic Bond III -- 9.56% -- 6.29%
Fremont Bond -- 8.23% -- 7.09%

*Through 10/30/00. Source: Morningstar, Inc.

GREEN CONSCIENCE For a growing number of socially inclined investors, performance isn't the only consideration when purchasing stock. The newly launched Corporate Social Research Center on socialfunds.com 's site does social and environmental assessments on more than 1,000 U.S. and foreign companies, including those listed in the S&P; 500 and the Domini Social Index. It's a fast way to see how companies rank in categories like employee relations, community programs and hazardous-waste disposal.

ZIP-LOCK ACCOUNTS Despite recent bank-privacy legislation passed in Congress, very few states have adopted laws to protect client records. Looking for a bank that will keep mum? For years, banks in Alaska and Vermont have sheltered their customers' information from pesky telemarketers and other prying parties. But if you like your current bank, privacy experts suggest sending a letter telling it you want to "opt out" on information sharing.