This year, banks have posted declines in their net interest margins as authorities have cut benchmark interest rates, funding costs have risen and demand for credit has cooled.

WSJ: Foreign Banks in China Rev Profit Engines

As we do for the outside columnists beginning on page 116, we nick the recommendations, but not the benchmark, for 1% trading costs.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The funds that aim to beat a benchmark by just a little and usually fail (after costs) to do so are being retired.

ECONOMIST: Fund management

During her time at Wellesley, Harvard noted, Mendillo produced average annualized returns of 13.5%, net of fees and expenses and the costs of this restructuring, and beat her benchmark each year.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The benchmark lending rate was reduced by 0.25 percentage point late Thursday to 6.31% and the benchmark deposit rate to 3.25%, the first cut in borrowing costs since December 2008.

WSJ: China Rate Cut Spooks Asia Markets

Higher costs are always incurred with active management, whether the fund outperforms its benchmark or not.

FORBES: Index Fund Returns Get Better with Age