Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds: Building Blocks to Wealth offers a synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature primarily on mutual funds but also discusses related investment vehicles, especially ETFs. In this edited volume, noted scholars and practitioners write chapters in their areas of expertise. It interweaves the contributions of multiple authors into an authoritative overview of important but selective topics. Readers will gain an in-depth understanding of mutual funds and ETFs from experts from around the world. Based on research-based evidence, this is not intended to be a "how to" book; instead, it is a scholarly and in-depth approach to important investment subjects. Although the book places greater attention on these different types of investments in the United States, it also examines them in a global context.

In today's financial environment, mutual funds and ETFs are dynamic areas that continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Because the flow of materials on the subject is voluminous, this book, by necessity, must be selective because it cannot cover every aspect of this field. However, readers can gain important insights about each investment vehicle including its structure and uses, performance and measurement. Beyond these core topics and issues, the book also examines the latest trends, cutting-edge developments, and real-world situations. Given its broad scope, this practical and comprehensive book should appeal to investors, investment professionals, academics, and others interested in mutual funds and ETFs. In particular, this book should help investors make key asset allocation decisions while capturing the benefits of a highly diversified, well-constructed, lower-cost portfolio of complementary strategies that enhance financial wealth.

About the Author:
H. Kent Baker is a University Professor of Finance in the Kogod School of Business at American University. As one of the most prolific finance academics, Professor Baker has authored or edited 25 books and has published more than 160 refereed articles in such journals as the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Financial Management, Financial Analysts Journal, and Journal of Portfolio Management. He has consulting and training experience with more than 100 organizations. Professor Baker holds a BSBA from Georgetown University; M.Ed., MBA, and DBA degrees from the University of Maryland; and an MA, MS, and two PhDs from American University. He also holds CFA and CMA designations.

Greg Filbeck is a Samuel P. Black III Professor of Finance and Risk Management at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College and serves as Associate Director and Department Chair of Finance & Economics for the Black School of Business. Professor Filbeck has authored or edited seven books and published more than 75 refereed academic journal articles appearing in the Financial Analysts Journal, Financial Review, and Journal of Business, Finance, and Accounting. He received a BS from Murray State University, an MS from Penn State University, and a DBA (finance) from the University of Kentucky. He recently earned a Master's Degree in Applied Statistics from Penn State University. He also holds the CFA, FRM, PRM, and CAIA designations.

Halil Kiymaz is Bank of America Professor of Finance in the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. Professor Kiymaz has published more than 70 articles in scholarly and practitioner journals and co-edited three books. His research has appeared in the Journal of Banking and Finance, Financial Review, Global Finance Journal, Journal of Applied Finance, Journal of Economics and Finance, and Review of Financial Economics, among others. Professor Kiymaz also serves on the editorial board of four journals and is the area editor of the International Journal of Emerging Markets. He has consulting and training experience with various organizations. Professor Kiymaz received a BS from the Uludag University and an MBA, MA, and PhD from the University of New Orleans.