BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Amanta Healthcare Ltd IPO
Apply for the Amanta Healthcare Ltd IPO through UPI in Just minutes
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

Active vs Passive Investing – Key Differences

Mutual fund portfolios can be managed in two ways—actively or passively. These two styles decide how the assets within a fund, such as equity, debt, or gold, are handled. In simple terms, the difference between active vs passive investing comes down to how much control the fund manager has over the buying and selling of assets.

In actively managed funds, the fund manager makes regular decisions on stock or bond selections and changes them based on market conditions. In passively managed funds, the portfolio simply follows a benchmark index and the fund manager plays a limited role. Understanding the difference between active vs passive investing can help you pick the strategy that suits your investment goals.

What is an Actively Managed Portfolio?

An actively managed portfolio involves constant monitoring and decision-making by a fund manager. Equity mutual funds, debt funds, hybrid funds, and fund of funds are typical examples.

In an equity mutual fund, for instance, the fund manager selects stocks based on market trends, economic outlook, and stock-specific performance. The manager decides when to buy, hold, or exit a stock and may change the concentration or weight of a stock within the fund.

This active decision-making is aimed at beating the market returns. So, in active vs passive investing, the active style demands more time, skill, and involvement from the fund manager.

What is a Passively Managed Portfolio?

A passively managed portfolio aims to replicate the performance of a market index rather than beat it. One of the most common examples of this approach is through Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or index funds. These funds follow indices like the Sensex or Nifty and hold the same stocks in the same proportion as the index.

In this setup, the fund manager doesn’t make active decisions about buying or selling individual stocks. Instead, their role is limited to ensuring the fund mirrors the index. For example, if a stock is added to or removed from the index, the same change is made in the fund.

This is where passive investing vs active investing shows a clear distinction. Passive investing focuses on consistent, market-linked returns with minimal costs. Since there's no active stock picking involved, the management fees and expense ratios are usually lower compared to actively managed funds.

Pros & Cons of Actively Managed Funds

Active funds come with their set of strengths and challenges. Here's a look at both sides:

Pros of Actively Managed Funds

  • Potential to Beat the Market
    The primary goal of active funds is to generate returns above the benchmark, also called "alpha." Fund managers apply market research and experience to outperform indices.

  • Dynamic Decision-Making
    Fund managers can react quickly to market changes, economic events, or company-specific news.

Cons of Actively Managed Funds

  • Higher Costs: Management comes at a price. Expense ratios in active funds are usually higher due to research, trading, and management fees.

  • Greater Risk: Since decisions are manually made, there's a higher risk of misjudgment or losses during market volatility.

Understanding these pros and cons is important when choosing between passive investing vs active investing.

Pros & Cons of Passively Managed Funds

Passive funds aim for simplicity and cost-efficiency. But like any investment, they have both advantages and limitations.

Pros of Passively Managed Funds

  • Low Expense Ratio: Passive funds usually charge less than 1%, and many ETFs go as low as 0.05%. This makes them cost-effective for long-term investors.

  • Broad Market Exposure: Many passive funds track wide indices, offering exposure to hundreds of companies in one go.

Cons of Passively Managed Funds

  • Limited Returns: These funds don’t aim to beat the market. At most, they aim to match benchmark returns. Deducting small fees may lower the actual returns.

  • No Flexibility: Since they follow a fixed index, there’s no room to adjust for market opportunities or avoid downturns.

In the active vs passive investing debate, passive funds offer simplicity, but not outperformance.

Active and Passive Blending

You don’t have to choose one over the other. Many advisors recommend blending both styles. This strategy can help diversify your portfolio and balance risk. The difference between active vs passive investing becomes less rigid when used together.

For example, investors with cash on hand might actively buy ETFs after a market correction. Retirees may actively pick dividend-paying stocks while also holding passive funds for stable market exposure. This mix gives flexibility without ignoring cost or consistency.

Risk-adjusted returns also matter. It's not just about how much return you earn, but how much risk you take for it. A balanced approach lets you control exposure to certain sectors or companies, especially during volatile times.

Over a lifetime, combining both methods—passive investing vs active investing—can support different financial goals, from wealth creation to retirement planning.

Conclusion

To summarise, active vs passive investing boils down to strategy and involvement. Active investing involves frequent trading decisions, aiming to outperform the market. Passive investing follows an index and focuses on steady, market-matching returns.

Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your risk tolerance, time commitment, and investment goals. Most portfolios can benefit from a thoughtful mix of both.

Share this article: 

Frequently Ask Questions

No Data Found

search icon

Read More Blogs

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.4 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|