Target-date funds offered by iShares are designed to simplify retirement investing. These diversified portfolios adjust their asset allocation over time, shifting from higher-risk assets like stocks to lower-risk options like bonds as the target retirement date approaches. An example would be a fund with a target date of 2050, intended for investors expecting to retire around that year. Such a fund would likely hold a greater proportion of stocks in the earlier years and gradually transition towards a more conservative mix of bonds as 2050 draws nearer.
These investment vehicles provide a convenient way to manage retirement savings, particularly for individuals who prefer a hands-off approach. The automatic asset allocation adjustments eliminate the need for investors to actively rebalance their portfolios, offering potential benefits such as reduced portfolio volatility as retirement nears and a streamlined investment strategy. This approach has gained popularity as a long-term retirement planning tool.