How would you define 'mutual funds'?

Mutual funds are best defined as investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of securities. This structure allows individual investors to gain access to a broader selection of investments that they might not be able to acquire on their own due to costs, expertise, or minimum investment requirements. By investing in a mutual fund, investors benefit from professional management and diversification, which helps in spreading risk across various asset classes.

This characterization highlights the key features of mutual funds: the collective investment aspect (pooling money from various investors) and the ability to invest in a diverse range of securities, including stocks, bonds, and other assets. These attributes make mutual funds a popular choice for investors seeking to achieve a balanced and diversified investment portfolio.