Policies FAQ

Read answers to common questions we receive about our investment policies and procedures.

American Funds’ conservative approach focuses on diversified, long-term investing. Since sector funds are generally not consistent with this philosophy, we do not choose to offer them.

No. Allowing new investors to transfer assets into American Funds at net asset value would be unfair to existing clients who have paid the appropriate sales charge. It is important to remember, however, that American Funds offers a series of breakpoints on investments starting at $25,000 that can substantially reduce or eliminate the sales charge. In addition, sales charges can be reduced through rights of accumulation or by purchasing under a statement of intention. Purchases that qualify for NAV are outlined in the funds’ prospectuses. Since transfer from other fund families is not included in the prospectus as a means of purchasing without a sales charge, American Funds Distributors® cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Generally, account statements are mailed whenever there is activity in an account. If your clients have signed up to receive transaction confirmations or quarterly statements electronically, they will receive an e-mail when this information is available online. For information about a specific client account, you can log in to a client account.

Consolidated statements, available for certain types of accounts, provide a summary of fund holdings and account transactions. They may be requested either verbally or in writing and will be mailed (or emailed if requested by the shareholder) quarterly. To check the eligibility of a specific account, please contact Account Services at (800) 421-0180.

We view proxies of companies held by the portfolios as significant fund assets and proxy voting as an integral part of the overall investment process. Our Global Proxy Voting Policies summarize our views on various corporate governance proposals. Through the proxy voting process, we aim to protect the long-term financial interests of your clients.

Throughout the year, we vote by proxy on thousands of proposals from all types of corporations, ranging from small businesses to international companies. In some situations, we don’t vote proxies for companies outside the U.S., particularly when the expense outweighs the benefit to shareholders, liquidity issues exist, documents are not sufficient to make an informed decision or if we are not notified of a scheduled meeting.

American Funds Proxy Voting Results

Yes. Employees of American Funds (part of the Capital Group Companies) are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards when conducting business. Read The Capital Group Companies Code of Ethics (PDF).

*Effective June 1, 2025, EuroPacific Growth Fund is now EUPAC Fund.

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.

Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the mutual fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.

All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.

Use of this website is intended for U.S. residents only.

Capital Client Group, Inc.

This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.