Which type of mutual fund is most common?

Open-end mutual funds are the most common type of mutual fund primarily because they offer a level of liquidity and ease of access that appeals to a wide range of investors. These funds continuously issue shares to new investors and redeem shares from current investors at the net asset value (NAV) at the end of each trading day. This means that when investors want to buy or sell, they can do so directly with the mutual fund company.

This structure also means that open-end funds don't trade on an exchange like closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds do. Instead, they are bought and sold based on the calculated NAV, making them more accessible for the average investor who may prefer straightforward transactions without the complexities of market fluctuations throughout the day.

In comparison, hedge funds are typically more exclusive, requiring a high minimum investment and catering to accredited investors, which limits their commonality. Closed-end mutual funds have fixed shares that trade on an exchange, which can lead to the shares trading at a premium or discount to the NAV, making them less appealing for those looking for straightforward investing options. Exchange-traded funds, while popular, are still relatively new compared to traditional open-end mutual funds, which have been a staple in personal finance for decades. Thus, the open-end mutual