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Vanguard Balanced Index or actively managed balanced funds?
Can anybody think of good reasons to go with actively managed balanced funds (other than Vanguard) instead of their Balanced Index? Over the past 10 years the Balanced Index has been competitive with actively managed funds yadda yadda. But what about the future?
If they're a concern, my first choice for an actively managed tax-efficient balanced fund would be Vanguard's own VTMFX. Since you asked for non-Vanguard alternatives, there's also TAIFX.
Tough to find a managed balanced fund better than VBINX. I think your best bet would be Wellington VWELX. Or, if you prefer a heavier allocation to bonds, there's the excellent Wellesley VWINX. Both have very low expense ratios.
BALFX (the F1 class available at Fidelity with no load and ntf) is a fine alternative to Vanguards balanced fund which is closed to new investors. New fund for me in 2018 when I decided to dial down the growth bent of porfolio. Fine history, and reasonable fees.
@msf: I did look at VBIAX originally, knowing it could be purchased as admiral class. Since I already had 4 Vanguard Funds VDIGX, VPCCX, VIG, VOO, which account for about 25% of portfolio and the American fund similar in return with strong team, opted to go that route. VOO AND VDIGX are my two largest holdings by the way.
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If they're a concern, my first choice for an actively managed tax-efficient balanced fund would be Vanguard's own VTMFX. Since you asked for non-Vanguard alternatives, there's also TAIFX.
Why did you choose it over say JABAX?
(I am now aiming at DSEEX and PONAX 50/50 but always interested elsewhere.)
Check out VBIAX. It's open at Fidelity (with a TF, as always there), and you can even get in for less - just $2500.