This article is from the FAQ, by with numerous contributions by others.
There are several important distribution related dates to be aware of
when buying and selling mutual fund shares.
* Declaration date:
This is the date on which the distribution is declared, followed by...
* Ex-dividend date:
This is the date the shares trade without the dividend.
* Record date:
Shareholders who own shares on this date will receive the
distribution on the ....
* Payment date:
This is the date on which the dividend is actually paid out.
 
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