Index funds have become one of the most widely embraced investment vehicles in the United States. As of 2019, half of all U.S. stock investments are channeled into passive funds like index funds, according to a Morningstar report.
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Understanding Index Funds
Index funds represent a collection of stocks mirroring a specific market index. For instance, popular index funds provide exposure to indices such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Russell 2000, and more. Each index tracks the performance of a distinct group of investments, usually stocks, with a common theme or focus.
When comparing the historical performance of index funds with actively managed funds, index funds tend to outperform approximately 80% of the time. It’s important to note that the present situation is transient. Historically, investing in the stock market has yielded superior annual returns compared to letting money idle in a bank account due to the power of compound interest. However, long-term investing and allocating funds you won’t need for at least five years or more are crucial considerations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Investing in Index Funds
Here’s a three-step process to embark on your index fund investment journey and cultivate your portfolio:
Step 1: Select a Brokerage and Create an Account
To invest in an index fund, you’ll require a brokerage account. Once your account is funded, you can buy and sell index funds such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds. Both grant access to the same underlying stocks and assets, though the buying and selling process differs slightly.
Most large discount brokerage firms waived ETF trading fees in the fall of 2019. However, certain mutual funds might incur trade fees of around $50 per transaction. Consider these reputable brokerages as a starting point:
- Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard are prime choices for mutual fund index funds. Each offers their own mutual fund family with fee-free trading. They may also present a variety of partner funds with no load or transaction fees. Avoid excessive fees when buying and selling funds.
- For ETFs, explore Ally Invest, Public, and E*TRADE in addition to Fidelity and Schwab. These platforms facilitate fee-free trades for stocks and ETFs.
Step 2: Choose Your First Index Fund
While the allure of purchasing major S&P 500 funds discussed in the news is tempting, conducting your own research and opting for a fund and index that align with your goals is recommended.
Investing in the S&P 500 is an auspicious starting point. This assortment of 500 significant U.S. stocks has historically yielded an average return of approximately 10% annually over an extended period. While volatility exists and past performance doesn’t guarantee the future, this is considered a relatively safer and cost-effective investment avenue.
S&P funds from Vanguard, Schwab, iShares, and Fidelity typically charge less than 0.10% in annual fees. Due to competitive pressures, some have even dipped below 0.05%. However, be cautious of funds charging over 2% in fees and assess the expense ratio before proceeding.
A plethora of indices await your future investments, varying from broad markets like the S&P 500 to those targeting specific sectors, company sizes, commodities, regions, and more. Leverage ETF and mutual fund screeners to swiftly sort through extensive fund lists based on criteria like expense ratios.
Step 3: Execute Your Trade
ETF trading is akin to stock trading, allowing you to buy ETF shares during market hours with immediate execution, often devoid of transaction fees. Conversely, mutual funds enable you to purchase whole-dollar amounts, executing trades at the close of the market day.
Both ETFs and mutual funds have their merits:
- ETFs are simpler for beginners.
- Mutual funds are excellent for long-term investments.
- Both entail an annual fee known as the expense ratio.
- Compare fee options for each index before making your investment.
Why Majority of Your Portfolio Should Be in Index Funds
While active management could be pursued for a portion of your portfolio, allocating most of your investments to index funds is a prudent strategy. Here’s why:
Limited Outperformance by Most Fund Managers
S&P Indices Versus Active (SPIVA) data reveals that 60% to 80% of actively managed mutual funds and ETFs underperformed market indices across various categories in 2012. This trend intensifies over extended comparison periods.
While an actively managed fund might surpass the market for a brief period, evidence largely contradicts such performance over five years or more. Opting for funds based on single-year market outperformance can lead to suboptimal results.
Active Funds and Stocks Demand More Attention
Not only do active funds generally lag the market, but they also necessitate more monitoring and attention. Extensively tracking fund performance is essential, as complacency stemming from past outperformance can lead to significant losses during reversals.
Conversely, consistently trailing the market can trigger panic selling. Monitoring active funds is akin to managing individual stocks, undermining the purpose of funds.
Substantial Impact of “Small” Investment Fees
Active-versus-index fund deliberations also encompass investment fees. Index funds, mirroring entire markets, incur minimal investment fees due to infrequent portfolio composition adjustments following index changes.
Actively managed funds, however, undergo frequent portfolio alterations, incurring higher investment fees. Annual fees for actively managed funds may rise based on the turnover ratio. Some portfolios exceed 100% annual turnover, resulting in substantial fees.
With an average annual investment fee disparity of 1% between actively managed and index funds, your returns could be 1% lower annually for the former. Over time, seemingly minor fee differences amount to significant monetary losses. For instance, a $100,000 investment in an index fund at 8% annual return yields $466,000 over 20 years, while the same investment in an actively managed fund at a 7% annual return incurs $387,000 over the same period.
Moreover, managing individual stock portfolios entails even higher expenses than actively managed funds, exacerbating negative impacts on your portfolio.
Robo-Advisors and Index Funds
Robo-advisors, online investment platforms utilizing algorithms and mathematical rules for portfolio management, often incorporate index funds in their strategies. However, utilizing a broker instead of a robo-advisor could be more beneficial due to increased control over fund selection and lower fees as many brokers have eliminated trade commissions.
Leading robo-advisors like Wealthfront and Betterment offer annual fees of 0.25% and strong customer service, but limited control over index fund selection.
The Verdict on Index Fund Investing
While index funds aren’t immune to risks and shouldn’t comprise your entire portfolio, they remain popular for valid reasons. Regular contributions via dollar-cost averaging, even during market downturns, are effective in building an index fund portfolio over time.
With the potential to achieve market-level returns at minimal costs, combined with instant portfolio diversification, index funds are a compelling investment choice. They represent a pivotal element of diversification strategies that aid in navigating stock market volatility.