In Brief

By Carole Buia

BIODIVERSITY Specialty health funds have outperformed all major fund categories this year. The average health fund, according to Morningstar, has 25% of its portfolio in biotechs. But if you're already invested in this volatile sector, a more diversified equity fund--which on average holds only 1.6% in biotechs--could help spread your risk. Be careful how you choose. Some so-called diversified funds will only increase your exposure.

Overexposed Funds

BIOTECH RETURNS FUND EXPOSURE (%) YTD (%) 1999 (%)

Ortibex Growth A 36.87 -22.48 98.39 Pilgrim Sm-Cap Oppt T 18.56 -11.15 145.51 Howard Equity 17.16 -24.65 42.09 Perm Portfolio Aggr Gr 15.79 -5.25 31.60

Biotech exposure as of 11/10/00; YTD as of 1 1/22/00; Source: Morningstar, Inc.

MISSIVES TO MRS. The IRS is sending letters to 2.4 million Americans because the name on their income tax return does not match their Social Security number. Most of the cases involve women who changed their name after marriage and are filing a joint return. If you receive a letter and don't want a personal exemption or the earned-income tax credit withheld next year, start digging for that marriage license or obtain a certified copy from the municipality where you married. Then contact your local Social Security office by calling 800-772-1213.

STOCKING STUFFER If you're looking for a painless way to teach your kids about investing, consider one of the new board games. Stock Market Madness, available in stores and at amazon.com lets players trade stocks until someone emerges a millionaire. Mutual Mania, a cross between Life and Monopoly, starts players with $25,000 to buy mutual funds. It sells at mutualmania.com Both retail for $29.95.

--By Carole Buia