U.S. Treasury money mutual fund

Definition

A U.S. Treasury money mutual fund is a type of mutual fund that primarily invests in short-term U.S. Treasury securities, such as Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. 

What is a U.S. Treasury money mutual fund?

The primary purpose of U.S. Treasury money mutual funds is to provide investors with a safe and liquid investment option that seeks to protect capital while generating income. These funds invest exclusively in U.S. Treasury securities, which are considered among the safest investments available due to the creditworthiness of the U.S. government.

While these funds offer safety of principal, they may provide relatively modest returns compared to other types of investments, such as stocks or corporate bonds.

One of the key features of U.S. Treasury money mutual funds is their high level of liquidity. Investors can typically buy and sell shares in these funds on any business day at the current net asset value (NAV), allowing for easy access to cash when needed. 

U.S. Treasury money mutual funds generate income for investors through interest payments received from the underlying Treasury securities held in the fund’s portfolio. While yields may vary depending on current interest rates and the maturity of the securities held, these funds generally offer competitive yields relative to other short-term investments.

Example of a U.S. Treasury money mutual fund

Suppose an investor is looking for a safe place to put their cash while earning a modest return. They decide to invest in a U.S. Treasury money mutual fund. The fund manager pools the investor’s money along with that of other investors and invests it in a diversified portfolio.

By investing in this fund, the investor can benefit from the safety and security of U.S. Treasury securities while also enjoying the liquidity provided by the mutual fund structure. If the investor needs access to their funds, they can typically redeem their shares in the money mutual fund at any time.