Fast comparison tables for major Series 6 products, customer situations, and recommendation distinctions.
On this page
Quick tables help when the issue is contrast rather than narration. Use them when you need to remember how products differ, what trade-offs matter, or which customer profile fits a recommendation better.
Product
Main feature
Main risk or trade-off
mutual fund
diversified professionally managed portfolio
sales charges, market risk, ongoing expenses
UIT
fixed portfolio for a defined period
limited active management flexibility
closed-end fund
exchange-traded fund structure with market pricing
premium or discount to NAV
variable annuity
tax-deferred investing with insurance features
expenses, surrender charges, market risk in subaccounts
529 plan
tax-advantaged education saving
education-use focus and plan-specific rules
Key Takeaways
Tables help most when the question is really asking for a distinction.
Product comparison should always return to suitability and customer goals.
If the table is not enough, go back to the full lesson for context.
Sample Exam Question
Which product can trade in the market at a premium or discount to NAV?
A. closed-end fund B. open-end mutual fund C. traditional fixed annuity D. direct rollover
Answer: A. Closed-end funds trade in the market, so their share price can move above or below NAV.