A multivariable search system for the comparative analysis of financial
products allows the user to enter a set of criteria of their choice with
desired ranges and in addition, a weighting factor to be applied to the
criteria. Mutual funds, for instance, may be searched according to
desired rates of return, fund type categories, and assigned levels of
weight or emphasis on different ones of the criteria. Search results may
be returned in coded form, indicating which candidate products they match
all of the selected criteria, and which ones generate the highest net
score given the weighting and other factors. Searches may be revised or
refined based on the presented results, or new searches may be performed.
Hot linkable connections may be presented to transaction sites to carry
out purchases, obtain prospectuses, or other activities relating to the
mutual fund or other financial products returned.