Target Date Fund
A diversified fund, often a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF), that automatically shifts towards a more conservative mix of investments as it approaches a particular year in the future, known as its "target date." A target date fund investor picks a fund with the right target date based on his or her particular investment goal. The managers of the fund then make all decisions about asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing. Target date funds also are known as lifecycle funds.
Concept at a glance
Definition and explanation
A diversified fund, often a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF), that automatically shifts towards a more conservative mix of investments as it approaches a particular year in the future, known as its "target date." A target date fund investor picks a fund with the right target date based on his or her particular investment goal. The managers of the fund then make all decisions about asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing. Target date funds also are known as lifecycle funds. [1]
Source-supported connections
Frequently asked questions
What does Target Date Fund mean in the cited reference?
A diversified fund, often a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF), that automatically shifts towards a more conservative mix of investments as it approaches a particular year in the future, known as its "target date." A target date fund investor picks a fund with the right target date based on his or her particular investment goal. The managers of the fund then make all decisions about asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing. Target date funds also are known as lifecycle funds. [1]
Target Date Fund connection map
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Sources and review dates
Reviewed 23 October 2026. Historical dates and award-time affiliations retain their original context. A review date is not an event date. Background sources are identified separately from official records.