Bear Stearns platform to add funds, tools

Bear Stearns Broker-Dealer & Investment Advisor Services has expanded its mutual fund platform, adding mutual funds and research tools. Currently, some 10,000 funds are available through Bear Stearns’ mutual fund platform, including 5,600 no-load and load-waived funds. The firm has also more than doubled its fund roster, making more than 3,400 funds available through FundCIRCUIT, the no-transaction fee platform. Research tools include NewRiver’s FundPOINT Desktop, a web-based program that provides access to mutual fund prospectus information, a share class analysis tool and data related to breakpoints, plus other features. FundTOOLS, an application that’s part of Bear Stearns’ product suite, includes three research functions powered by Morningstar: Fund CompareSM allows clients to compare performance, yield and ratios for mutual funds. Fund ScreenerSM lets investors set cost and return criteria, and then screen Bear Stearns’ funds for a match. Finally, Investment ProfilesSM gives clients access to mutual fund information, such as performance breakdowns and Morningstar’s ratings and style boxes. Both research engines are available through the Broker-Dealer and Investment Advisor Services web portal.