A Guide To Investing In Mutual Funds With Col Financial

Investing in mutual funds is a great option for those who don't want the hassle of monitoring and making active decisions on their investments. While it is possible to invest directly in stocks, mutual funds offer a more hands-off approach as your investments are managed by a fund manager. COL Financial, one of the leading online stock brokers in the Philippines, offers an easy way to invest in mutual funds through its COL Fund Source platform.

With COL Fund Source, investors gain instant access to a wide range of mutual funds from some of the biggest fund houses in the country, including Philequity, Philam Asset Management, and Sun Life Asset Management. One of the key advantages of investing in mutual funds through COL Financial is the waiver of front-end fees, meaning you only pay the management fees. Additionally, existing COL Financial clients can invest in mutual funds without opening new accounts, providing a convenient way to manage their investments.

To get started with COL Fund Source, log in to your COL account and click on the Mutual Fund tab. From there, you can view the funds available and select your desired fund. It is important to note that first-time investors may need to answer a suitability test to determine their investor risk profile. Once you have selected your fund, simply click Invest and follow the prompts to place your order.

Investing in mutual funds through COL Financial offers a convenient and accessible way to diversify your investment portfolio. With a range of mutual fund options and an easy-to-use platform, COL Fund Source makes it simple for investors to manage their investments and track their performance.

Accessing the mutual fund dashboard

To access the mutual fund dashboard, you must first log in to your COL Financial account. Once you are logged in, you can click on the Mutual Fund tab. If this is your first time, you may need to answer a suitability test before you can access this page. You can find the suitability test under TOOLS, then INVESTOR PROFILE.

On the Mutual Fund tab page, you will see the navigation tabs below the header logo. Here is a brief explanation of each of the tabs:

• Fund Performance and Overview: Here, you can track the fund's performance and see a brief overview of what the fund is about. For example, entering the fund code XPEEQ, which is the code for Philequity Fund, will display useful information that can help you decide whether to invest.
• Buy and Redeem: You can place a buy order by clicking on the "Invest" button, inputting the fund code and amount, and then confirming your purchase. The minimum required buying amount ranges from PHP 5,000 to PHP 100,000, depending on the mutual fund you choose. You can also redeem your funds by clicking on the "Redeem" button, entering the fund code, and confirming the number of shares you want to redeem.
• Order Status: This tab shows the status of your orders. If you haven't purchased anything, this tab will be blank.
• Easy Investment Program (EIP): COL offers EIP for mutual funds, allowing you to automate your mutual fund investing activities. You can set up a schedule for your investments, including the fund code, amount, and period (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually). You can also set the start date and duration of your investments (6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years).
• Mutual Fund Portfolio: This tab shows your mutual funds portfolio. If you don't have any mutual fund positions, you will only see your buying power.
• Risk Profile and Available Funds: This tab will let you define your investor risk profile by answering a series of questions. Based on your risk profile, you will see a list of mutual funds that are suitable for you. If you want to buy a mutual fund that is not on your recommended list, you will need to sign an online waiver form to purchase a riskier fund.

By navigating through these tabs on the mutual fund dashboard, you can access all the information you need to make informed decisions about investing in mutual funds through COL Financial.

Placing a buy order

To place a buy order for mutual funds via COL Financial, you must first log in to your COL account and access the mutual fund facility. You can do this by clicking on the Mutual Fund tab. If this is your first time, you may need to answer a suitability test before you can access this page.

Once you have accessed the mutual fund facility, you can view the funds available by clicking FUNDS, then LIST OF ALL FUNDS. You will then be able to see the funds that are suitable for you. To view all the funds, select ALL FUNDS.

After selecting your fund, simply click INVEST. Alternatively, you can go straight to the ORDER > ORDER ENTRY tab to post your order.

Next, fill out the order entry form and click Preview Order. Ensure that the Transaction Type is set to INVEST and that the header is green. Input the Fund Code of your chosen fund and the amount you wish to invest. Please note that the order must comply with the minimum investment amount of your chosen fund.

Finally, review your order details and, once you are ready, input your password and click Place Order to submit the order. If you are buying funds outside your risk profile for the first time, a waiver will appear, which you will need to approve.

Redeeming your funds

• Log in to your COL Financial account.
• Click on the "Mutual Fund" tab.
• Tick the "Redeem" box and enter the fund code. The amount option will change to shares.
• Enter the number of shares you wish to redeem, then click "Preview".
• Review your order details and enter your password to confirm your redemption request.

It's important to note that there may be certain holding periods and redemption fees associated with your mutual fund investment. Be sure to review the specific requirements and fees for your chosen mutual fund before redeeming your shares.

Additionally, keep in mind that there is a difference between redeeming your funds and withdrawing your proceeds. Once you have redeemed your shares, you will then need to withdraw your proceeds by following the steps outlined in the COL Financial for Beginners guide. This typically involves submitting a withdrawal request through your COL account or manually submitting a fund withdrawal form.

Remember to carefully consider the timing and potential fees associated with redeeming your mutual fund investment. Always review the relevant information and details provided by COL Financial to make informed decisions regarding your investments.

Automating your mutual fund investing activities

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to automate your mutual fund investments using the EIP:

• Log in to your COL Financial account.
• Click on the "Mutual Fund" tab.
• If it is your first time investing in mutual funds through COL, you will need to complete the Client Suitability Assessment (CSA). This assessment helps determine your investor risk profile.
• Once you have accessed the mutual fund dashboard, you will see the available navigation tabs. Click on EIP to set up your automated investment schedule.
• Enter the fund code, amount, and period of your investment. You can choose from weekly, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual investment periods.
• Set your start date and duration. The duration can be 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years.
• Review your order details and enter your password.
• Confirm your purchase.
• You can view, cancel, or change your EIP orders at any time by accessing the "EIP Orders" tab.

By utilising the Easy Investment Program, you can automate your mutual fund investments and make consistent contributions towards your financial goals. This feature simplifies the process of investing and helps you stay on track with your investment strategy.

Viewing your mutual funds portfolio

To view your mutual funds portfolio, log in to your COL Financial account. Once you have access to your account, click on the Mutual Fund tab. If this is your first time, you may need to answer a suitability test before you can access this page. The suitability test can be found under TOOLS, then INVESTOR PROFILE.

On the List of all Funds page, you will see the funds that are suitable for you. To view all the funds, select ALL FUNDS. You can also see your mutual funds portfolio by clicking on the Portfolio tab.

If you want to see the performance of a particular mutual fund, click on the Mutual Fund tab in the COL home navigation tab. This will take you to a page where you can see a brief overview of the fund and track its performance. You can enter the fund code to see useful information that can help you decide whether to invest.

Frequently asked questions