It is claimed that mutual funds have two advantages. The first is that mutual funds allow people with small amounts of money to diversify. The second is that mutual funds provide the skills of professional money managers who buy stocks they believe will be the most profitable and thereby increase the return that mutual fund depositors earn on their savings.

a. Economists strongly agree with both claims.

b. Economists are skeptical of both claims.

c. Economists are skeptical of the first claim, but strongly agree with the second.

d. Economists strongly agree with the first claim, but are skeptical of the second.

The correct answer is d. Economists strongly agree with the first claim, but are skeptical of the second.

Explanation:

A mutual fund is an investment alternative that consists of contributions from natural and legal persons (called participants or contributors), to form equity for their investment in shares, debt instruments or fixed income, or a combination of both (shares + fixed income). They offer a diversified investment alternative since they invest in numerous instruments at the same time. These instruments vary according to the type of fund and are defined by the investment policy regulated by the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance. They are managed by corporations called General Fund Administrators (AGF) that are chosen by the participants themselves. It is important to choose both the administrator and the type of fund based on what best suits each personal situation.