Every portfolio is different—and so are the people who manage active and passive funds. In this episode, we dig into the details of how fund managers at two different firms approach their role. Their decision-making processes vary according to the goals of the fund and their strategy for achieving those goals.

First, Mark speaks with David Giroux, chief investment officer for equity and multi-asset at T. Rowe Price Investment Management. He and Mark discuss the guardrails that are in place to prevent some decision-making biases, what the buy-versus-sell decision actually looks like, exploiting market inefficiencies, and many other topics.

Next, Mark is joined by Chuck Craig, senior portfolio manager for Schwab Asset Management. Chuck is responsible for oversight and day-to-day management of international equity index Schwab Funds and Schwab ETFs. He holds a master of science degree in financial markets and trading and is a CFA® charterholder. As a manager of a passive index fund, Chuck's perspective on the buy-versus-sell decision is much different. He and Mark discuss how tracking an index works, how to balance risk, and the importance of securing tax efficiencies within the fund.

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Important Disclosures

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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

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Experiences expressed are no guarantee of future performance or success and may not be representative of you or your experience.

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Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.

Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a nonretirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions.

This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.

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Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.

International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets.  Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks.

Currencies are speculative, very volatile and are not suitable for all investors.

Schwab Asset Management™ is the dba name for Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., the investment adviser for Schwab Funds. Schwab Funds are distributed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), Member SIPC. Schwab Asset Management and Schwab are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Schwab ETFs™ are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO). SIDCO is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation or any of its affiliates.

Schwab receives compensation from T. Rowe Price to market and promote their funds, in addition to any shareholder servicing fees the fund company pays to Schwab which creates conflicts of interest. Learn more here about the compensation Schwab receives.  

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