Passive-only fund of funds outperform active counterparts - Morningstar

Fees play a big part

David Brenchley
clock • 2 min read

Funds of fund strategies investing only in index or smart-beta instruments have performed better than those investing only, or mainly, in active funds over the past five years, research from Morningstar shows.

In absolute terms, across six different investment categories, where there were passive-only fund of funds, Morningstar's data showed the passive-only option outperformed their counterparts investing in a blend of styles or active only each time. In Morningstar's GBP Moderate Allocation category, for instance, fund of funds investing only in index or smart beta funds returned just over 4% in annualised terms over five years. For those investing in a blended strategy or in active only, that return was under 3%. While one reason for this is a general underperformance from active stra...

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

How Trump's 'America first' presidency affects UK financial advisers

How Trump's 'America first' presidency affects UK financial advisers

Sahar Nazir investigates how President Donald Trump is affecting the financial services sector

Sahar Nazir
clock 30 April 2025 • 5 min read
Reeves reveals 'comprehensive' draft regulatory regime for crypto assets

Reeves reveals 'comprehensive' draft regulatory regime for crypto assets

Working with the US to develop rules

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 30 April 2025 • 2 min read
FCA drops SDR plans for portfolio managers

FCA drops SDR plans for portfolio managers

To focus on MPS review for now

Jen Frost
clock 30 April 2025 • 4 min read