On Tuesday morning, auto sales for February were released. Here’s what they mean for mutual fund investors.
Inside the Auto Sales
Ford
Ford (F) reported a 1.9% decline in auto sales. Car sales fell 8.1%, while truck sales increased 4%.
General Motors
General Motors (GM) posted an increase of 4.2% in auto sales. Sales of trucks and SUVs increased 36%.
Other Sales Reports
Chrysler reported a 6% increase in sales, but missed expectations of a 8.2% increase.
Nissan reported an increased of 2.7%, coming in well below estimates of a 7.2% increase.
The Cold Weather Has Slowed Sales
General Motors was the winner for February auto sales, while Ford saw sluggish sales. The harsh winter sales negatively impacted sales for most auto companies, but sales were offset by low gas prices and lower credit requirements.
Mutual Funds to Watch
Investors interested in GM and Ford may be interested in the funds listed below. These funds currently have the largest stakes in the companies.
Ford
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| VTSMX | Vanguard Total Stock Market Index | 1.62% |
| VWELX | Vanguard Wellington | 1.14% |
| VFINX | Vanguard 500 Index | 1.06% |
General Motors
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| FKINX | Franklin Income | 1.75% |
| VTSMX | Vanguard Total Stock Mkt Idx | 1.38% |
| OAKBX | Oakmark Equity & Income | 1.22% |
The Bottom Line
The funds above offer investors a stake in General Motors and Ford, while remaining diversified.
