QUOTE(howszat @ May 24 2008, 03:49 PM)
From a practical investor perspective, the total value is the same - therefore it is pointless.
With distributions, you cannot take prices at two points in time and compute a percentage figure. Many Fund managers don't tell you what the distribution is and when it happens. Those who do tell you (ie for investors), it is often much later after the fact. Therefore it is annoying.
So, which bit is wrong?
ok. let discuss this. Why div is not pointless. It doesn't increse the total value of the fund, agreed.
BUT, if you opt to reinvest your given div, you are investing with zero cost, ie. no service charge, unlike you investing your fresh money. Hence, you get more units with cheaper cost. Then when you are given div next year again, you are being paid based on the total number of units that you have. Reinvest your div will allow you to enjoy compounding effect - ie. div next year is being paid not only on the initial invested units but also the distributed div portion, and so on and so forth
Regarding the percentage profit, basically it doesn't affect your calculation if you opt to reinvest your money again. Only you have more units, that's it.
Afterall, it really is not hard to work on the profit percentage even after the distribution. Just check with your agent. Agents should have the system to tell you your fund performance anytime.