Mutual funds make it possible for ordinary people with small amounts of capital to participate in a professionally-managed, diversified investment plan – something that used to be available only to the wealthy.
From 1990 to today, the amount of money Canadians invested in mutual funds skyrocketed from $100 million to around a trillion dollars. (With a trillion dollars, you could buy four million houses at $250,000 each.)
In addition to building your savings, mutual funds help Canadian businesses grow, which leads to new jobs and stronger communities.
The industry contributes significantly to Canada's employment for almost 200,000 Canadians. The Conference Board of Canada estimated in 2012 that the industry contributes $17 billion annually to Canada's Gross Domestic Product through direct and indirect activity. This is roughly equal to Canada's air transportation industry and higher than traditional industries such as retail gasoline stations and the forestry sector.
