How a fund has performed in the past can’t tell you how it will perform in the future. But it can give you an idea of how the fund has performed in different market conditions.

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​ Understanding how your mutual fund is doing depends on many factors. Here are a few different ways to tell if you’re getting the most from your fund.

1. Read Fund Facts

This is a user-friendly guide that provides key information about your mutual fund including fees and performance. Beginning June 13, 2014, mutual fund companies are required to deliver Fund Facts within 2 days of buying a conventional mutual fund. Check out a sample Fund Facts .

2. Compare it to other mutual funds

Use resources like Globefund or Morningstar to see how a mutual fund is performing relative to other similar funds.

3. Use a benchmark

Compare a fund’s performance against a relevant benchmark such as a market or sector index that tracks a group of selected investments (for example, the S&P 500 Index). Use this Portfolio benchmark calculator to see how your fund compares.

4. Add up the fees

Fees and expenses reduce your fund’s returns. Use the mutual fund fee calculator to see how fees and other costs affect what you make.

You can learn more about the structure of mutual fund fees in Canada and current issues surrounding their structure from the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA).

5. Disclosure documents

These documents contain information that can help you to assess a mutual fund. Securities regulators require mutual funds to file documents such as:

• Fund Facts
• the simplified prospectus
• the prospectus
• independent review committee reports
• management reports of fund performance
• quarterly portfolio disclosure

They’re available from

6. Review account statements

Review your account statements to see how your investments are doing and keep track of the costs you’re paying. Then compare the performance of your stocks against your goals and the guidelines set out in your investment policy statement. if you have one.

Cost and performance disclosure requirements

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)  are implementing new requirements to ensure all investors receive essential information ab​​out the costs and performance of their investments. Learn more about these new requirements .

7. Consult your advisor

If you have an advisor, ask them to explain why your funds’ prices have suddenly fallen or risen — and what that means for your portfolio.

8. Follow stock market news

Are we in a bear market? A bull market? Is the market up or down in general? Stock prices are affected by what’s happening in the market, not just at the companies that make up your fund. You can find lots of information at the Toronto Stock Exchange .

9. General economic news

Read the business sections of major newspapers to find out what’s happening in the economy. Are interest rates going up? What’s the inflation rate? How is the Canadian dollar doing against other currencies? Learn more about how economic factors can affect stock prices .

Don’t chase performance. Just because a fund did well last year doesn’t mean it will achieve the same return this year. Make sure it fits with your investment goals and your other investments.