BlackRock Inc.'s iShares, the biggest ETF provider, expands a fee-cutting war that's benefiting cost-conscious investors.

Investors remain anxious about stock volatility, some four years after the financial crisis began. ETF deposits were still up considerably.

Another month of a rising stock market, another month of retreat for mutual fund investors.

Six months out of the gate, star bond trader Bill Gross' ETF version of the PIMCO Total Return bond mutual fund has enjoyed an 8.4 percent return.

Investors are increasingly cost conscious and providers of target-date mutual funds are responding. They're rolling out a greater number of low-cost options. These inexpensive funds come in two main varieties: those that rely on index funds and others with ETFs added in.

Workers continued to stash more money in their 401(k) plans in the second quarter, but the stock market's modest decline left them slightly further behind in reaching their savings goals.

A rising market didn't instill confidence last month, as investors continued to withdraw more from stock mutual funds than they deposited into them.

Participants will now be aware of investment fees and administrative and transaction costs. What they choose to do with that information is up to them.