A mutual fund is an investment option where money from many people is pooled together to buy a variety of stocks, bonds, or other securities. This mix of investments is managed by a professional money manager, providing individuals with a portfolio that is structured to match the investment objectives stated in the description or the documentation of each fund.
By investing in a mutual fund, individuals gain access to a broad range of investments, which can help reduce risk compared to investing in a single stock or bond. Investors earn returns based on the fund's performance minus any fees or expenses charged. In this way, mutual funds can give small or individual investors access to professionally managed portfolios of equities, bonds, and other asset classes.