SPIVA REPORT: One of the most important studies on fund returns
Aug 30, 2023
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Host Paul introduces an upcoming presentation on small cap value. Ben Carlson's article 'The Luckiest Generation' is discussed, highlighting the challenges faced by baby boomers. The SPIVA Report reveals the underperformance of actively managed funds, promoting the use of low-cost index funds. The impact of high management fees on low-risk investments is explored, emphasizing the unlikelihood of active managers outperforming.
The baby boomer generation has experienced significant financial returns, but also faced challenges such as high mortgage rates and market downturns, emphasizing the role of luck in financial outcomes.
The SPIVA report highlights the consistent underperformance of US equity funds compared to their benchmarks, emphasizing the importance of index funds as a more reliable investment option with consistent asset class exposure.
Deep dives
The Luckiest Generation: Baby Boomers' Financial Success
The podcast episode discusses how the baby boomer generation has been one of the luckiest generations in history in terms of financial returns. It highlights the significant returns on financial assets that baby boomers have experienced since 1983, including stocks (7,930 percent), bonds (1,060 percent), and housing (515 percent). These returns translate to annual returns of 11.4 percent for stocks, 6.2 percent for bonds, and 4.6 percent for housing. The episode also acknowledges the benefits baby boomers had, such as not having to deal with student loans. However, it also emphasizes the challenges they faced, such as high mortgage rates and market downturns. The overall message is that luck plays a significant role in financial outcomes, but there are steps individuals can take, like investing in low-cost index funds and controlling their emotions, to improve their chances of success.
The Performance of Actively Managed Funds
The podcast presents insights from the SPIVA report, which analyzes the performance of actively managed funds compared to their benchmarks. It reveals that a significant percentage of US equity funds consistently underperformed their benchmarks over various timeframes, from one year up to twenty years. The report also highlights the inconsistency of fund styles and the high turnover among funds within asset classes. It further emphasizes the importance of index funds as a more reliable investment option, both in terms of performance and consistent asset class exposure. The episode encourages listeners to explore the SPIVA report to better understand the low probability of actively managed funds outperforming their benchmarks.
Understanding the Range of Fund Returns and Performance
The podcast discusses the range of returns and performance among different asset classes and quartiles. It explains how returns vary over time, with some asset classes experiencing wider ranges and others showing relatively tighter ranges. The episode highlights the importance of considering risk-adjusted returns and fees when evaluating fund performance. It also emphasizes the need to focus on the consistency of asset class exposure and the potential impact of taxes on returns. The overall message is that while average returns can differ among asset classes and funds, it is crucial to assess performance within quartiles and consider low-cost, index-based options to improve investment outcomes.
The podcast opens with a heads up on an exciting AAII presentation on October 11 at 6:30 EST. Paul will make a one hour presentation on "The Case for Small Cap Value: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” This presentation will include some interesting new tables that give a new perspective to this productive equity asset class.
After Paul speaks, Chris’ presentation will focus on 2 Funds for Life in retirement and how to select the Best In Class ETFs. One of Paul’s favorite Truth Tellers, Ben Carlson, has recently written, "The Luckiest Generation”. Paul reads highlights from the article. It turns out “The Luckiest Generation” faced a lot of serious headwinds. Then Paul suggests the steps we should take if we aren’t so lucky.
The annual SPIVA Report is one of the most important studies in the industry on mutual fund performance. While many may wish to read the whole report, Paul focuses on the tables on pages 9, 10, 13, 14, 17 and 19. Those who take the time to review this information will hopefully reconsider holding any actively managed funds in their portfolio.
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