What is the difference between an index fund and an actively managed fund?

An index fund is a type of investment fund that tracks a particular stock market index. This means that the performance of the index fund is based on the performance of the underlying index that it tracks. By investing in an index fund, investors benefit from the diversification that comes with investing in a basket of securities and it removes some of the potential risk associated with actively managed funds. An actively managed fund is a mutual fund in which a manager selects the underlying securities in the fund and actively manages it. This often involves trying to beat the market index that the fund is based on by choosing securities that are expected to outperform the index. Actively managed funds also typically come with higher fees than index funds. The main differences between an index fund and an actively managed fund are the way the investments in the fund are chosen and the fees associated with each. An index fund aims to match the performance of an underlying market index, while an actively managed fund aims to beat the performance of the underlying index. Index funds typically offer lower fees than actively managed funds as they are not managed by a fund manager.

Related FAQs

What is the difference between a broker-dealer and an investment adviser?
What documents should I review before investing?
How can I be protected from investment fraud?
What is the difference between a Ponzi scheme and a legitimate investment?
What legal recourse do I have if I am the victim of investment fraud?
What are the red flags for investment scams?
What is the difference between a private and a public offering?
What is the role of state securities regulators in protecting investors?
What should I do if I believe I may be the victim of investment fraud?
What is a private placement memorandum?

Related Blog Posts

What is Investment Fraud Law? - July 31, 2023
Understanding Investment Fraud: A Primer for Investors - August 7, 2023
Protecting Your Investments from Fraudulent Practices - August 14, 2023
Recovering Your Money from Investment Fraud - August 21, 2023
The Psychology of Investment Fraud: How to Spot Scams - August 28, 2023