Why are so many active fund managers underperforming?

US tech stocks have dominated market performance for a long time

clock • 5 min read

Laith Khalaf looks at the latest results from AJ Bell's Manager versus Machine report which found just 33% of active equity funds outperformed the typical index tracker in their sector...

Every six months at AJ Bell, we publish a report on the proportion of active managers beating the typical passive fund in seven key equity sectors. It's called Manager versus Machine, and ever since we launched the report in 2021, it has made challenging reading for active managers. In the latest edition, our analysis showed that overall, just 33% of active equity funds outperformed the typical index tracker in their sector (see table below). That doesn't sound like a good result, and it isn't. But it's probably better than you think. All active managers aim to outperform, and all inv...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Into the Spider-Verse we go: Chris Justham assesses Trump Mk II

Into the Spider-Verse we go: Chris Justham assesses Trump Mk II

'The cognitive dissonance when your beliefs don't add up cause very real pain'

Chris Justham
clock 04 April 2025 • 3 min read
Investors hold back on equity exodus as they brace for Trump's next move

Investors hold back on equity exodus as they brace for Trump's next move

UK equity funds suffer

Linus Uhlig
clock 03 April 2025 • 2 min read
Darius McDermott: Are we seeing the end of US exceptionalism?

Darius McDermott: Are we seeing the end of US exceptionalism?

The Euro Stoxx 50 Index is up 10.8% since the start of the year

Darius McDermott
clock 03 April 2025 • 5 min read