Investing in index funds has been the norm for many investors, who have become accustomed to seeing their capital grow. However, are they still the greatest options for a comfortable retirement?
Index funds are being challenged by rising interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty. Investors may worry if index funds will remain the finest ETFs and mutual funds. How, if at all, do active strategies fit into a retirement portfolio?
Index Funds Are Tough To Beat For Retirement
Fund managers, on average, have a difficult time outperforming market indices over time, as is commonly understood.
A new SPIVA (SPI Indices vs. Active) US Scorecard for 2021 indicated that active managers had the third-worst year on record last year in terms of performance.
Active large-cap funds underperformed the S&P 500 by an average of 85%, while domestic equity funds as a whole underperformed by an average of 80%. Even small- and mid-cap funds did poorly. On the other hand, passive funds had a net inflow of assets, while active funds saw a net outflow.
There are parts of the market that have typically been more active. Morningstar Direct recorded the end-of-March net inflows in alternative and unconventional equity active funds. Intermediate core bonds and bank loans also performed well.
Comparing Active And Index Funds For Retirement
Active vs. passive index funds: what should retirees and those preparing for retirement consider?
Founder and president of Flexible Plan Investments, Jerry Wagner, believes that “active investing gets a poor name because the comparisons are generally made by individuals who are supporters of passive investing and don’t actually think about the reality of the investor situation.” He further stated, “And retirement is one where active investing is really essential.”
He said, “For the most part, we’re all involved in the financial markets. We all purchase and sell things. It’s uncommon for someone to buy something, store it in a safe-deposit box or a certificate, and never touch it again. Eventually, all of us become active investors. Whether or if this is a disciplined, quantitative approach is a question that has to be answered.”
Find A Place In Retirement?
According to Wagner, active investing should be part of everyone’s portfolio because it’s impossible to know when to make the switch. In addition, risk management and reducing losses are critical for retirees to achieve financial stability and security in old age.
“The amount of money you have to live on is substantially diminished if you take a hit early in your retirement,” he added. You may be more responsive to the market and take action based on what the market suggests if you include a risk-management component, limiting portfolio losses.
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