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Online NewsHourInvestigating the Fund Industry
Lead Story WTO's structure and function
Mutual funds -- once considered a low-maintenance and secure investment option popular among many Americans -- are now under scrutiny for alleged illegal trading activities that may have defrauded millions of investors.
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June 23, 2004
SEC Approves Reforms To Mutual Fund Governance
A divided Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday approved regulations changing the way mutual fund companies are governed in response to widespread scandals and corruption charges throughout the $7 trillion industry.

Archive
While the World Trade Organization's mandate is to foster and regulate trade, protesters accuse the body of benefiting developed nations at the expense of poorer ones. As the WTO continues to negotiate regulations and mediate disputes, public opinion of the organization remains deeply divided, although the trade body argues that the public has misconceptions of its practices.
Featured Newshour Interviews

DonaldsonThe Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman William Donaldson discusses the ongoing investigation into corporate misconduct in the mutual fund industry and efforts to protect investors. (11/26/03)

SpitzerA Top Cop on Wall Street
New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, one of the most vigorous enforcers of the rules against corporate wrongdoings, speaks with Paul Solman about his efforts to combat Wall Street's abuses and the investigations into cases of alleged mutual fund fraud. (11/6/03)

Featured Newshour Reports

TradersImpact on Average Investors
Donald Langevoort, a former special counsel at the Securities and Exchange Commission, and John Bogle, founder of the Vanguard Group, a leading mutual fund firm, discuss how illegal trading practices by mutual fund firms ultimately harm smaller investors. (11/4/03)

Watching Trading ActivityAn Investor's Guide
With more mutual fund companies under investigation for questionable or potentially illegal trading practices, two experts offer advice on how the public can deal with the scandals, and what questions the public should ask before investing in a particular fund. (11/28/03)

NASDAQ MarketAn overview of the mutual fund industry and why these funds rank as one of the most popular investment vehicles among Americans.

Stock Trading FloorA glossary of the main mutual fund practices under investigation.
Additional PBS Resources
Wall Street Week
 
 

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