Net asset value (NAV) refers to the assets of a financial entity minus its liabilities. For funds and trusts, net asset value is quoted on a per-share or per-unit basis. Net asset value is calculated as the portfolio value minus any debts, divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. When selling a fund investment, the price is based on net asset value minus any redemption or deferred sales fees.
The SEC requires mutual funds and investment trusts to recalculate net asset value at least once a day. This is typically done after the major markets close. Being publicly traded, closed-end funds are exempt from daily reporting of net asset value. The net asset value of major mutual funds is reported much like stock prices, and can be found in the financial section of many newspapers. |
