Open-End Funds' February Ride

After moving steadily upward for almost a year, a sudden jolt of reality rocked the stock market at the end of February. A big hit to the Shanghai market spread throughout the world's bourses and did not spare the U.S. securities markets.

But even with the late-month downdraft, some equity funds achieved solid gains during February. Even though Asia was blamed by many as the catalyst that triggered the wave of selling, three Asian open-end mutual funds made their way to the list of 10 leading performers.

Included among those funds is the (JSCFX Quote)Advisors Inner Circle Japan Small Company Fund (JSCFX), which climbed 6.79% during the month to capture the top performance spot. ...