This investment strategy allocates assets based on a projected retirement year, adjusting the mix of stocks, bonds, and other holdings over time to become more conservative as the target date approaches. For instance, a portfolio designed for retirement around 2045 would likely have a higher allocation to stocks in the present, gradually shifting towards a greater proportion of bonds as 2045 draws nearer. This “glide path” aims to provide growth potential early on while mitigating risk closer to retirement.
A target-date approach offers a simplified, diversified investment solution for individuals planning for long-term goals like retirement. It removes the burden of constant portfolio monitoring and rebalancing, automatically adjusting the asset allocation to align with the investor’s time horizon. Historically, such strategies have become increasingly popular due to their relative ease of management and their ability to adapt to changing market conditions over time.