Moody's: Active management will 'shrink substantially' as passives popularity grows

S&P report predicts passive fees could hit zero

Laura Dew
clock • 3 min read

The combination of active fund underperformance and tighter scrutiny on fees is placing the future of active management under threat as investors increasingly choose low-cost passive options, according to rating agency Moody's.

In a new report Industry Flows Actively Moving to Passive, the firm found passive investments made up one-third of the US mutual fund market and this proportion is expected to grow further. This demand has been driven by the absolute underperformance of active managers versus their benchmarks in a variety of market conditions, as well as the high fees charged by active funds and new US regulation pushing for greater transparency on fees. Stephen Tu, a vice president and senior analyst at Moody's, said: "Under the new regulation, advisers are expected to ensure investments are in t...

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

PA360: 'Diversified approach has room for both active and passive' - David Coombs

PA360: 'Diversified approach has room for both active and passive' - David Coombs

‘Volatility is your friend if you are a long-term investor’

Jenna Brown
clock 01 May 2025 • 2 min read
PA360: FOMO can 'significantly' alter investors' risk appetite

PA360: FOMO can 'significantly' alter investors' risk appetite

Albemarle Street Partners’ Charlie Parker on the social element of investing

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 May 2025 • 1 min read
PA360: Investors must understand importance of 'proper diversification'

PA360: Investors must understand importance of 'proper diversification'

‘Investors don’t have to choose a single door’

Sahar Nazir
clock 01 May 2025 • 1 min read