Target-date funds offer a simplified approach to investing. Target-date funds aim to balance risk and growth potential. The idea is that investors can invest in a single fund and have the asset allocation (mix of investments) automatically adjust over time. This is a hands-off investment approach for retirement but with growth potential. Let's explore what target-date funds are, how they work, what potential gains they offer, and some factors to consider before investing.

What is a Target-Date Fund?

Target-date funds are a type of investment designed for retirement savings. They are named after a specific year, often far in the future, which represents the investor's target retirement date. For instance, someone planning to retire around 2050 might choose a 2050 target-date fund.

These funds aim to simplify retirement investing by automatically adjusting the mix of investments (asset allocation) over time. Early on, the fund might hold a higher percentage of stocks. The fund typically shifts towards investments like bonds as the target date nears. Why is that? We'll explain that next.

Target-date funds offer a hands-off approach to retirement investing. They provide a single investment option that adjusts independently, eliminating the need for frequent monitoring or adjustments. However, it's important to understand how these funds work and consider individual circumstances before investing.

How Do Target-Date Funds Work?

A target-date fund is like a recipe with ingredients that change as years go by. At first, the fund might include more stocks. Stocks can offer potentially high returns but also have a chance of bigger losses. As the target date approaches, the fund may add more bonds. Bonds typically offer lower returns but also tend to be less risky.

This gradual shift aims to balance potential growth with protecting savings. The idea is that with more years to go, investors can handle some risk in hopes of bigger gains. But as retirement nears, the focus might switch to keeping the money safe.

The specific investments within a target-date fund can vary, but professional managers handle the buying and selling. This allows investors to put their money in and lets fund managers adjust the recipe of these funds over time.

Profits With Target-Date Funds

Target-date funds aim for growth over time, hoping to build a big nest for retirement. This growth comes from the returns on the investments held within the fund.

Early Period:

Early in the investment period, a target-date fund might hold a larger share of stocks (Think: 80-90% stocks). Stocks can deliver high earnings but also carry a chance of bigger losses.

Later Period:

Over time, the fund gradually shifts towards investments with lower risk, such as bonds (Think: 40-50% bonds). Bonds typically offer lower returns but are generally considered safer.

It's important to remember that target-date funds, like any investment, are not guaranteed to make money. The performance of the underlying investments will impact the actual returns.

Target-Date Fund Example

While specific holdings can change, let's still give you a brief overview. Suppose a target-date fund named "XYZ 2060 Fund." This fund aims for a retirement date around 2060. In its early years, the fund might invest more heavily in stocks of various companies. They may hold up to 90% in stocks. These stocks could offer the potential for high earnings but also have a chance of losing value.

As the year 2060 gets closer, this "XYZ 2060" fund might gradually shift its holdings. The fund might sell some stocks and invest more in safer options. These could be government bonds, which typically offer lower earnings but are usually seen as less risky.

Real-Time Target-Date Funds: Fidelity Freedom Funds

Let's look at two target-date funds from Fidelity Investments, the Fidelity Freedom 2050 Fund (FFFHX) and the Fidelity Freedom 2030 Fund (FFFEX), to see how their holdings change over time.

1. The Fidelity Freedom 2050 Fund has a low expense ratio and invests heavily in stocks, aiming for long-term growth. As of March 2024, around 88% of the fund is invested in stock holdings of various companies across the world. This offers the chance of higher earnings. However, there is also a chance of larger losses. The remaining 12 percent-ish is invested in investments seen as less risky, like government securities and bonds.
2. The Fidelity Freedom 2030 Fund has a more conservative approach with a target date closer in time. As of March 2024, this fund holds around 57% in stocks and 43% in investments like government securities and bonds. This lower stock weighting aims to reduce risk as the target date approaches.

Over time, the Fidelity Freedom 2050 Fund will gradually shift its holdings to become more conservative, similar to the investment mix of the Fidelity Freedom 2030 Fund today. This automatic adjustment aims to balance the potential for growth with protecting savings as the 2050 target date nears.

Drawbacks Of Target-Date Funds

It's important to understand some drawbacks the fund comes with:

Risk Tolerance: One concern is that the gradual shift towards safer investments might not meet everyone's needs. Some investors closer to retirement might want to hold onto more stocks for the chance of higher earnings. Others with a longer time horizon might be comfortable taking higher risks.

High Fees: Target-date funds also come with fees, which can eat into returns over time. These fees are charged for managing the fund and making investment decisions. It's important to compare fees between different investing options.

Investment Choice: Target-date funds often contain a mix of investments, including some that do not align with certain ethical or religious beliefs like those of Muslims, as certain funds may include bonds and interest-based opportunities. To avoid that, investors should carefully review the fund's holdings.

Control: Another factor to consider is that target-date funds might not offer the same level of control as individual stock picking. Investors who want more say over their investments would like to choose their own mix of stocks and other investments.

Conclusion

Target-date funds offer a simplified approach to retirement saving. They automatically adjust the investment mix over time, aiming to balance potential growth with protecting savings.

However, target-date funds aren't perfect. The gradual shift towards safer investments does limit earning potential closer to retirement. Additionally, these funds do not align perfectly with an investor's unique risk tolerance or religious beliefs. Fees are another factor to consider.

This article helps you understand how it works, weigh the potential drawbacks, and consider individual circumstances. Consulting with a financial counsellor can assist investors in deciding which investment option is the best for them.