Short Takes: Scudder Site for Brokers, Financial Planners

Scudder Funds has created a Web site for investment professionals, underscoring its increased focus on selling mutual funds through financial intermediaries.

The site-http://directions.scudder.com-went up last week. It includes information on Scudder's funds as well as market research and commentary by portfolio managers and analysts of the Boston-based company.

Scudder, which mainly sells funds directly to investors, formed an intermediary services group two years ago to work with brokerages, banks, insurance companies, and third-party administrators. All its funds are sold without up-front sales charges.

The Web site contains a "fund selector" that allows consultants and brokers to search for an appropriate Scudder fund using specific criteria.

Scudder's site also details management styles and investment strategies and contains profiles of managers of the Scudder Funds.

"We decided to create this site after hearing from financial consultants that they not only want access to detailed information on Scudder Funds, but tools that will enhance the service they provide to their clients," said William M. Thomas, director of the intermediary services group.

-Stephen Garmhausen

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