A type of asset allocation strategy within a portfolio designed to simplify investing for retirement. These portfolios typically hold a mix of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes, gradually becoming more conservative as the target retirement date approaches. For instance, a portfolio targeting a 2050 retirement date would likely hold a higher percentage of stocks in 2024 than a portfolio targeting a 2030 retirement date.
This approach offers a hands-off investment solution, automatically adjusting risk exposure over time. This automated shift allows individuals to focus on other financial priorities without requiring frequent portfolio rebalancing decisions. Historically, this investment strategy has gained popularity as a convenient method to participate in financial markets while managing risk aligned with a long-term goal.