This refers to a specific investment strategy designed to help individuals save for retirement. A target-date fund (TDF) gradually adjusts its asset allocation, becoming more conservative as the specified retirement year approaches. The 2040 designation indicates the approximate year an investor planning to retire around that time might choose this fund. It is offered by American Funds, a well-known investment management company. This type of investment vehicle typically invests in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes, with the mix shifting over time.
The principal advantage of this approach is its simplicity and automatic adjustment. It requires minimal ongoing management from the investor, automatically reducing risk exposure as retirement nears. This “glide path” towards a more conservative portfolio aims to protect accumulated savings as the investor transitions from accumulating wealth to drawing upon it. Historically, target-date funds have become increasingly popular as a retirement savings vehicle, reflecting a growing demand for simplified investment solutions.
