It seems like yesterday that Y2K was making the headlines. Now the roaring 2000s (that one is for Harry Dent) are coming to a close.

We will soon start seeing a deluge of "mutual funds of the decade" accolades and "portfolio managers of the decade" awards.  Morningstar is already out with "The Fund Manager of the Decade Finalists."

Does it mean you should buy these top funds of the last decade? Well, I'm not sure what Morningstar is telling you, but the research indicates that investors shouldn't buy last year's, or last decade's, top performing funds.

Mutual fund investors know that if they make money, they pay taxes. Unfortunately, mutual fund investors are also faced with a potential tax liability whether they make money or not.

In my latest article about cap gains distributions, I have posted a few helpful links about these "phantom gains" that are known as capital gains distributions. I have also linked to select mutual fund companies that have listed expected capital gains distribution estimates.

Fortunately, 2009 won't be a very taxing year for many mutual fund investors (in terms of distributions, that is).

You asked for it. You got it. The ETF vs. mutual funds debate from all angles. Only this time you get the facts from the ETF Guide and the Mutual Fund Guide (that's me).

I couldn't say it better myself, so here's what the ETF Guide writes on his blog, "Mark Kennedy meet Lee McGowan. ETF Guide meet Mutual Fund Guide. Lee and I collaborated on our latest article comparing ETFs to mutual funds. The new piece gives you the story from both sides. Is an ETF better than a mutual fund or is a mutual fund better than an ETF? We both have our opinions, as you will see."

Mark goes on to say, "But wait, there's more! We also give you the inside scope on the tax implications of each product, the benefits, the risks, the whole enchilada. So without further ado..."

Is An ETF Better Than a Mutual Fund?

Just like any writer, I receive both positive and negative emails and comments from readers. You should see the latest zinger.  I have to admit, I wish the statement would have included some evidence backing up his comments. Rather than deleting what he wrote, I've decided to share it.

A couple of lines from Guest Dan's comments include telling me that I "don't know anything" and that I should let "someone write an article that doesn't like mutual funds." You can read Guest Dan's entire statement (and a few other readers' statements) in "Readers Respond."

While I would like to find Dan and ask him what he means by "tell the truth" and ask him why I would want a biased person to write an article, I think the more productive question would be to ask him to comment on my original question that he didn't answer: "As with any investment structure, mutual funds have their advantages and disadvantages. What do you think are the most disadvantageous features of mutual funds?"

So why am I bothering highlighting this comment when, until now, I didn't highlight the fact that my blog was named a "Top Investment Blog" by an ETF blogger (yes, an ETF blogger of all people)? Well, I, selfishly, want to highlight a blog post that might have helped Guest Dan understand my views on mutual funds and ETFs.