SEC rules aim to inform mutual fund investors

? Investors will get more information in ads for mutual funds and more up-to-date performance data under rules adopted Wednesday by federal securities regulators.

Members of the Securities and Exchange Commission voted to approve the rules to require more complete disclosure in mutual fund ads, designed “to encourage advertisements that convey balanced information to prospective investors, particularly with respect to past performance.”

In addition, mutual funds will have to provide current information about their returns through toll-free telephone numbers or on the Internet.

Mutual funds that tout their performance in ads also will have to advise investors choosing a fund to consider the fees and investment risks, and their own investment objectives — and must make clear that past strong performance doesn’t guarantee future returns.

The move is part of an effort by the SEC to improve the flow of information, including data on performance and fees, to mutual fund investors.