Active management is a strategy used by investment managers to attempt to outperform the market by selecting individual securities or making specific investment decisions. This is in contrast to passive management, which involves investing in a pre-determined portfolio of securities that tracks a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.
In active management, investment managers use a variety of techniques to analyze securities and make investment decisions. This may include fundamental analysis, which involves examining a company's financial statements and economic conditions to assess its potential for growth and profitability. It may also involve technical analysis, which uses charts and other tools to identify patterns and trends in market data.
One of the primary goals of active management is to achieve higher returns than the market average. However, this approach also comes with higher risks and fees than passive management. Active managers typically charge higher fees to cover the costs of their research and analysis, and their investment decisions may not always lead to positive returns.
Active management can be beneficial for investors who are willing to take on higher risks in pursuit of potentially higher returns. However, it's important for investors to carefully consider the track record and fees of the investment manager they choose, as well as their own risk tolerance and investment goals.
In recent years, passive management has become increasingly popular as an alternative to active management. This approach has been driven in part by the rise of low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow investors to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of securities with low fees.
In conclusion, active management is a strategy used by investment managers to attempt to outperform the market by selecting individual securities or making specific investment decisions. While this approach comes with higher risks and fees than passive management, it can be beneficial for investors who are willing to take on higher risks in pursuit of potentially higher returns. However, it's important for investors to carefully consider the track record and fees of the investment manager they choose, as well as their own risk tolerance and investment goals.