A target-date fund (TDF) with a 2045 target year is designed for investors expecting to retire around that year. This type of investment vehicle typically comprises a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes. The asset allocation is automatically adjusted over time, becoming more conservative as the target date approaches. For example, a TDF might initially hold a higher percentage of stocks for growth potential and gradually shift towards a higher percentage of bonds for income and capital preservation as 2045 nears.
Such funds offer a simplified approach to retirement planning, particularly for individuals who prefer not to actively manage their investments. The automatic rebalancing feature helps manage risk by reducing exposure to potentially volatile assets closer to retirement. Historically, target-date funds have gained popularity as a convenient, “set-it-and-forget-it” investment solution for retirement savings. They offer a way to participate in market growth while aiming to mitigate risk according to a predetermined timeline.