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How sub-optimal are age-based life-cycle investment products?

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  • Khemka, Gaurav
  • Steffensen, Mogens
  • Warren, Geoffrey J.

Abstract

We investigate the conditions under which life-cycle investment strategies based on age may be ‘near enough’ to optimal, focusing on the treatment of the pension account balance and assumptions about risk aversion. We show that dynamically adjusting the strategy in response to fluctuations in balance as well as age can lead to moderate improvements over product designs currently seen in the market; although most of the potential gains might be captured by specifying the glide path with reference to measures reflecting the projected balance over time. The risk aversion assumption emerges as a far more important consideration, with much greater reductions in expected utility arising from mismatches between the risk aversion of the investor and that underpinning the glide path design. Our analysis suggests possibilities for improving life-cycle or target date funds, and highlights the benefit of offering a suite of such funds that cater for members with differing risk aversion.

Suggested Citation

  • Khemka, Gaurav & Steffensen, Mogens & Warren, Geoffrey J., 2021. "How sub-optimal are age-based life-cycle investment products?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:73:y:2021:i:c:s1057521920302623
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2020.101619
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    Cited by:

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    2. Butt, Adam & Khemka, Gaurav & Warren, Geoffrey J., 2022. "Heterogeneity in optimal investment and drawdown strategies in retirement," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Life-cycle models; Portfolio optimization; Investment product design; Target date funds;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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