Asset managers well positioned?

Not all fund companies are equal. In many ways, it is increasingly a brand name kind of game. The big names do well; the little guys much less so. This was especially true in the aftermath of the scandals of recent years. It seems that T. Rowe Price may be entering the ranks of the really big-name brands. Two analysts have touted the company as one that will continue to see above-average inflows thanks in part to favorable 401k and pension changes. Recall that a new law really boosts corporate funding of retirement programs. Wachovia analyst Douglas Sipkin also notes that the fund firm seems relatively cheap. A bullish equities market will only help. For the entire class, the outlook looks good--for now anyway.  

For more:
- here's a MarketWatch article
- more mutual fund news here