Fund spotlight

More than 200 new mutual funds hit the market in 1998. While many often outperform more established funds, analysts recommend some caution before you plunge into a rookie fund. Examine the fund manager's track record. Make sure the fund is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and its investment objectives are well-defined. Avoid high management costs (more than 1.25 percent annually), and look for no-load funds (no sales charges). Below, the top performing new funds with inception dates in the first half of 1998.

Fund name 6 mo. return

Invesco Growth & Income 42.4%

800-525-8085

Millennium Growth & Income 25.4

800-535-9169

Turner Micro Cap Growth 21.4

800-224-6312

Kobrick Capital 20.9

888-523-8631

Scudder Technology 19.4

800-225-2470

Bear Stearns Focus A 18.4

800-766-4111

Boyle Marathon 17.6

888-882-6953

Style Select Focus A 16.5

800-858-8850

Schroder International Bond Inv 16.0

800-344-8332

Fidelity Select Medical Equip/Systems 14.9

800-544-8888

Source: Morningstar Inc. Data as of 12/31/98 market close

WHITNEY DODDS WOODRUFF