After spending the last 12 months focusing on rationalizing product lineups and enacting pricing changes, fundsters are now directing their focus toward product development, according to a newly released survey by FUSE Research Network.

Boston-based FUSE polled product management executives and found that 71 percent are planning on launching new funds in the next 18 months, with almost half of them hoping to have new products finalized and on the market in the next six months.

“Product development is constantly on the minds of product staffs, as there is often pressure to deliver the next top seller and avoid missing sales opportunities. However, it appears that firms have become more deliberate in their product launches, as the cost in terms of dollars, resources, and institutional integrity has become prohibitive,” noted FUSE president Michael Evans.

Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they merged or liquidated funds in the last 12 months, and seven said they are planning to merge or liquidate more before March.

An equal percentage said their companies cut staff during the past year, and the same percentage said they made pricing changes. 

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