

Index Funds for the Long Haul? Why Some Pros Are Nervous
Oct 9, 2024
Delve into the fascinating world of index funds and the growing debate over passive investing. Explore the risks of a 'benevolent bubble' and what it could mean for everyday investors. The rise of passive strategies raises questions about market dynamics and individual control over returns. Unpack the implications of wage stagnation and market inelasticity. Finally, consider the contrasting views on active versus passive investing and the potential impact on retirement savings and wealth inequality.
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Passive Investing's Growing Influence
- Passive investing has become incredibly popular, holding a significant portion of the U.S. market.
- As passive funds grow, they may distort market dynamics by overpowering active trading.
Valuation Insensitivity
- Dollar-cost averaging into index funds makes investors valuation-insensitive.
- This can lead to overvaluation of certain stocks, especially those with increasing market caps.
Market Inelasticity
- The issue isn't market inefficiency but inelasticity, the reduced capacity to absorb shocks.
- A mass sell-off from index funds could create a downward spiral, similar to a bank run.