A target-date mutual fund designed for investors planning to retire around the year 2020 typically invests in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. The asset allocation is designed to become more conservative as the target retirement date approaches. For instance, a fund with a 2020 target date would likely have shifted to a more conservative portfolio by that year, holding a larger percentage of bonds and a smaller percentage of stocks compared to a fund with a later target date. This strategy aims to reduce investment risk as retirement nears.
These funds offer a simplified approach to retirement investing, requiring less hands-on management compared to selecting and rebalancing individual investments. The automatic adjustment of the asset allocation over time is intended to align with an investor’s declining risk tolerance as they approach retirement. Historically, target-date funds have gained popularity as a convenient option within retirement plans like 401(k)s. The performance and suitability of such funds depend on various factors, including the specific fund’s investment strategy, expense ratio, and the individual investor’s circumstances.