How to ensure you get what you pay for

ACTIVE MANAGEMENT

clock •

The active versus passive debate is nothing new, but the passive fans' argument has inched forward of late. Chelsea FS's Darius McDermott attempts to claw back some points.

The debate over active versus passive funds is always pretty lively and has become more so in recent years. If you believe everything you read, the proponents of passives seem to have been winning the argument of late. Passive funds have certainly gained traction. Last October, the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index fund became the biggest fund in the world. Launched in 1992, it aims to replicate – not beat – the performance of the S&P 500 and has a huge $251bn assets under management. The fund is specifically for US investors but it is an example of the popularity of passives. In the ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Darius McDermott: Asia's broadening investment story

Darius McDermott: Asia's broadening investment story

Fund managers have a dilemma

Darius McDermott
clock 21 October 2026 • 5 min read
China's historic move away from coal shows why investors need to keep digging

China's historic move away from coal shows why investors need to keep digging

'A key challenge for investors is to identify the pockets of genuine innovation'

Xin-Yao Ng
clock 19 October 2026 • 4 min read
Investors yet to stuff ISA allowances as government plays down spectacle despite 'tough' Budget

Investors yet to stuff ISA allowances as government plays down spectacle despite 'tough' Budget

Platform activity stable

Jack Roach
clock 19 October 2026 • 4 min read