Asset Managers, Advisers Agree on Retail Portfolio Outlook

The FRC had heard anecdotally that other types of products are encroaching on actively managed mutual funds, and so recent research examined this—as well as to compare the views of advisers and asset managers, said Kristin Adamonis, senior editor at FRC. Both asset managers and advisers seemed to be on the same page.

The extent to which they agreed was interesting, Adamonis told PLANADVISER.com. Both advisers and asset managers view actively managed funds as still having opportunity in the core of lineups, particularly in the international/global equity and alternative strategy categories. “Asset managers of actively managed funds recognize where their opportunity among advisers is,’ she said.

A place where there is some disagreement between advisers and asset managers is around 130/30 funds. Asset managers are more optimistic in their outlook, with 65% of surveyed managers saying they make sense for investors with high risk tolerances and will likely catch on over time. Comparatively, advisers are more apprehensive, with 30% of surveyed advisers saying they will catch on. Adamonis said this shows asset managers are more focused on product development with these funds but need to educate advisers more on how they can be used in the retail market.

New Retirement Income Players

Although advisers don’t see actively managed funds going away, new products are definitely having an impact, including within the retirement income space.

For instance, when advisers were asked to rate the suitability of actively managed funds as a core of holding for different wealth segments, advisers rated actively managed funds as alright for retirees seeking reliable income, but not the best option. Most of the FRC data show that advisers don’t see actively managed funds as the most suitable option for any wealth segment.

The segment rated most suitable for actively managed funds was in the mass retail market (less than $100,000 in assets), in which advisers said actively managed funds are “suitable, but other options work.’ The segment of retirees seeking reliable income scored the same rating as high-net-worth investors: “not unsuitable, but likely better options.’ That finding demonstrates that new products are having an impact on retirement income and taking away shares from actively managed funds that serve as a core for retiree clients, Adamonis noted.

Adomonis said structured products are creeping up quietly in this space. About 27% of advisers are using structured products, and she said there is particularly a growth in their use for principal protection with retired and Baby Boomer clients. Separately managed accounts are also growing, but much more gradually because of their limitation of use with certain clients.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have also been continually analyzed for their rise to stardom. Adamonis labels ETFs as the most promising in terms of growth among alternative products (see The Rising Fame of ETFs) “I think ETFS have come a very long way in a very short time,’ Adamonis said. “They have really made their position in the retail market. I think both advisers and asset managers agree they will be the fastest growing product going forward.’