Equity mutual funds were down an average of 11% for 2001, according to...

Equity mutual funds were down an average of 11% for 2001, according to a preliminary year-end review by Lipper. Only about 15% of equity funds posted positive returns for the year, compared with about 95% of bond funds. Although less than 5% of equity funds were in positive territory year-to-date through Sept. 20, more than 95% of equity funds are on the plus side from Sept. 21 through Dec. 7. For bond funds, however, about 90% were in positive territory year-to-date up until Sept 20, while just 30% were on the plus side after Sept. 21.