17.2.1 Advantages And Disadvantages Of Managed Products

Overview

Managed products can offer various advantages and disadvantages for investors. These products include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), hedge funds, private equity funds, and labor-sponsored venture capital corporations (LSVCCs). This guide will detail the potential benefits and drawbacks of managed products to help investors make informed decisions.

Advantages of Managed Products

Professional Management

Investors benefit from the experience and specialized knowledge of investment management professionals.

Economies of Scale

The asset size of pooled investment funds allows for negotiation of lower fees and transaction costs.

Low-Cost Diversification

Investors with relatively small sums to invest have access to diversification, which they could not otherwise achieve.

Liquidity and Flexibility

Some managed products, such as mutual funds, can be bought and sold at their net asset value (NAV) at any time.

Tax Benefits

Products such as LSVCCs can provide tax benefits, including provincial and federal tax credits.

Low-Cost Investment Options

Products such as ETFs have some of the lowest management costs in the fund universe.

Disadvantages of Managed Products

Lack of Transparency

Due to their largely unregulated and competitive nature, products such as hedge funds rarely disclose their portfolio holdings on a timely basis.

Liquidity Constraints

Some managed products prevent investors from accessing their funds until a specified time or only when certain conditions are met.

High Fees

Active fixed-income and foreign equity mutual funds can charge 2% to 5% in management fees. Additionally, some private equity funds and hedge funds typically charge a 20% performance fee.

Volatility of Returns

Some mutual funds and hedge funds can be subject to market instability, as well as volatility associated with their underlying securities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are managed products?

Managed products are investment funds where professional managers make decisions about how to invest the fund’s money. Examples include mutual funds, ETFs, and hedge funds.

Why should I consider managed products?

Managed products offer professional management, diversification, lower fees due to economies of scale, and in some cases, tax benefits and liquidity.

Are there any downsides to managed products?

Yes, managed products can have disadvantages such as lack of transparency, liquidity constraints, high fees, and volatility of returns.

What factors should I consider when choosing a managed product?

Investors should consider factors such as the product’s fee structure, manager’s experience, level of transparency, liquidity terms, and historical performance.

Glossary

• Net Asset Value (NAV): The value per share of a mutual fund or ETF, calculated by dividing the total value of the fund’s asset by the number of shares outstanding.
• Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF): An investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks. An ETF holds assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds.
• Hedge Fund: A pooled investment fund that employs various strategies to earn active returns for its investors. Hedge funds may be aggressively managed or utilize derivatives.
• Private Equity Fund: A collective investment scheme used for making investments in various equity (and to a lesser extent debt) securities according to one of the investment strategies associated with private equity.
• Labor-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporation (LSVCC): Canadian venture capital funds designed to promote investments in small to medium-sized businesses.

Key Takeaways

• Managed products offer professional management, economies of scale, diversification, and liquidity.
• Disadvantages include potential lack of transparency, high fees, and possible volatility.
• Understanding both the pros and cons of managed products can help investors make more informed decisions.

Diagrams

Diversification and Risk Reduction

    graph LR
	A[Investment] --> B[Stocks]
	A --> C[Bonds]
	A --> D[Real Estate]
	A --> E[Commodities]
	
	B --> F[Domestic Stocks]
	B --> G[Foreign Stocks]
	
	C --> H[Corporate Bonds]
	C --> I[Government Bonds]
	
	D --> J[Residential Real Estate]
	D --> K[Commercial Real Estate]
	
	E --> L[Gold]
	E --> M[Oil]