This specific investment vehicle represents a target-date fund offered by American Funds. Target-date funds are designed to simplify retirement investing by providing a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets tailored to a specific retirement year. The “2040” designation indicates an anticipated retirement date around the year 2040. The portfolio’s asset allocation is designed to shift towards a more conservative mix as the target date approaches. The “R3” likely signifies a specific share class, which can have different fee structures or minimum investment requirements.
Investing in a professionally managed portfolio geared toward a specific retirement date offers several potential advantages. It simplifies investment decisions, potentially reducing the need for frequent portfolio adjustments. The automatic adjustment of the asset allocation over time aims to manage risk appropriately as retirement nears. This approach can be particularly beneficial for investors who prefer a hands-off approach to managing their retirement savings. Target-date funds have become increasingly popular investment options within defined contribution plans and individual retirement accounts.