What are their differences from alternative products?

• Value appreciation /depreciation that occur in the fund portfolio is reflected in the value of the portfolio on a daily basis. The concept of maturity does not apply. Thus, within the forward pricing rule, the investor can cash in his/her entire investment or as much as he/she needs along with the accrued income.
• Differs from t-bills, government bonds and deposit products as the rates of return for mutual funds are not determined beforehand.