Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a data communications network including communication devices enabling communication between a user and a funds investment system, a method of investing funds with asset manager programs by distributing total funds available for investment to a plurality of asset manager programs said distribution effected by performing the method step of performing a plurality of intermediate allocations, each intermediate allocation according with predefined rules supplied to the system by the user over the communications network and repeating the step of performing intermediate allocations until all available funds are allocated with asset manager programs.

Abstract: Refractory fiber compositions are disclosed comprising 84% to 97% by weight total silica and alumina, with the silica-to-alumina weight ratio being in the range of 3:2 to 1:1, preferably approximatey 5:4, and 3% to 16% by weight of a dolomitic component comprising calcium oxide and magnesium oxide. The dolomitic component may be composed of burnt dolomite or lime and magnesia. The fibers made of these compositions are suitable for thermal insulation use at temperatures in the range of from 1400.degree. F to 2000.degree. F (760.degree. C to 1100.degree. C) and find particular use as insulating mats and blankets for furnaces, kilns and automobile catalytic mufflers.