Let's look at what is happening in money market funds. In prior years, when the stock market was booming, investors rarely thought about putting their money in money market funds. Now, with the market in shambles, people are flocking to money market funds like never before. In the six months ending this November, $550 billion were deposited in money market funds. In total, these funds manage an astounding $3.5 trillion.

Enter the Federal Reserve and near zero interest rates. What's happened as a result of this move? Some larger funds are shutting their doors, complaining that they can't make money any longer. Some are charging fees to hold your money. Vanguard stopped opening new accounts or accepting additional investments in Vanguard Treasury Money Market and Admiral Treasury Money Market funds from financial advisers, intermediaries or institutions (including IFAs), although existing Vanguard contribution clients may continue to invest in the funds.

Credit Suisse, meanwhile, said it will quit managing money market funds in the U.S. Yields on these funds average 0.34%, while some funds yield nothing.

Investors will increasingly be looking at alternatives for their money. Let's hope some of this cash moves back into the stock market.

Why some money market funds are shutting down or restricting access originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.