Index tracker funds

An index tracker fund involves a fund manager trying to replicate the performance of a given stock market index by purchasing shares that make up the content of that market index in the relevant proportions to match the performance of the stock market index the fund manager is trying to replicate.

It is only in the last ten years or so that index tracker funds have been available to smaller private investors and as a result their popularity has risen. By following the performance of the index itself rather than trying to actually beat it fund managers believe they will see a steady rate of term that outperforms any potential short term gains from investing in specific companies.

	Markit: Household Finance Index at highest level since Feb 2010 Markit reports that UK households are more optimistic about their finances than at any time since February 2010, helped by improved job security.
	17% of people run out of funds 3 weeks into the month Some 17 per cent of British workers will struggle to pay for daily spending after the three-week mark in a month, according to new research
	First Direct cuts offset, tracker and fixed mortgage rates First Direct has announced 11 rate cuts on a range of offset and residential mortgages, each with a fee-free option.
	Markit household finance index shows poorest in UK losing out The latest Household Finance Index from Markit shows that the squeeze on incomes is set to continue in 2013 and hit the poorest sectors of society the hardest.
	Markit household finance index shows squeeze is easing The latest Markit Household Finance Index for July shows that the deterioration in household finances fell by the lowest rate since December 2010 but job concerns are still prevalent.