Good Day,
I am saddened to read the pronouncements in the statement(s) at the linked discussion; of the dismissal and demise of an investing style.
Of particular concern, to the consideration of new investors here; whom we do not know, who read this discussion board. For the more seasoned investor; the statement(s) are obviously, only an opinion; not an investment holy grail.
@MikeM @TedStarting with:
this discussionAs noted in the discussion: "Buying similar funds in the same category for diversification is hog-wash.
Pick a good fund manager in the area you want to be in and go with him or her or that team."
>>> First. I don't agree with the presumption that active managed funds in a given category are all the same and can not offer diversification within a category/sector. If there is little difference in managed funds in a similar category; there is no good reason to invest in these, as an index or etf in that category would likely give the performance required. Secondly, one may always wish everyone well with their available manager choices; and that the managers (assuming a decent prior record used by the investor, for choice) will not trip and fall for some reason going forward with their assessment of market directions.
A sample of healthcare/medical, active managed funds;ranked YTD:
...... YTD..... 1YR..... 3YR..... 5YR
FPHAX +10% +34 +20.8 +26
FSPHX +5.9% +39.6 +23.2 +27.2
FSMEX +3.3% +29.1 +12.3 +18.8
PRHSX +2.8% +31.8 +24.3 +14.5
FSHCX + .2% +22.3 +11 +22.5
FBIOX -1.2% +28 +30.7 +28.9
XLV +4.5% +24 +19.8 +21.4
So, investor "x" feels this investment sector is appropriate for 20% of their portfolio. They had previously decided in 2013, to choose the top 4 funds in the above list, based upon 5 year returns, at that time; and place 5% of their portfolio into each of the four funds. Their fund choices were: FBIOX, FSPHX, FPHAX, FSHCX
The funds, as a blend; still have a decent return YTD, in spite of some stumbles in certain sectors. Whether the investor may have done better with just one broad based fund is only of value in hindsight; unless they have an impressive magic 8-ball device for future answers.
'Course, if buying similar funds in the same category is a waste of time, reportedly hog-wash; perhaps skipping an active managed fund and investing in an index or etf is an equally decent choice, especially if the e.r. is very small.
Confirmation of the variables of performance of active managed funds may be found at this
health funds list. The list is sortable with the column year returns. All one has to do when choosing one fund with which to invest is; well, do your homework and hope that nothing changes with the management or style of the fund going forward, so that one may keep the faith.
Oh well, to each their own.
Take care of you and yours,
Catch