Is there a general rule of thumb to help me determine how long I should hold on to a fund that is not performing well?
No, there is no all-purpose rule of thumb. The realization that a fund is "not performing" is a complex issue, and for many investors, it may come after a year or two of underperformance (sometimes severe underperformance). That said, the best way to assess whether you should
sell a fund is to try to decide if and why you would
purchase that same fund today, forgetting of course that you already own it.
If you would definitely consider purchasing the fund despite the recent underperformance, then likely it may make sense to keep it. If there is no way you would ever invest in this fund today (given its history, style, management, costs, etc.) then in my mind you are ready to sell and should do so now.
Be careful to analyze all aspects of the fund -- for example, value funds looked pretty sad during the heyday of the high-tech boom market, but their style was defensive and they preformed well when the market cycle turned.
Do you have a question?
All Ask the Expert questions are read and considered. Unfortunately we can't provide individual responses or respond to every question. Please note that questions about specific securities cannot be considered. Click here to Ask the Expert.
No statement in this article should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice or individual financial planning. Morningstar Canada does not provide specific portfolio advice and recommends the use of a qualified financial planner when appropriate.
SaoT iWFFXY aJiEUd EkiQp kDoEjAD RvOMyO uPCMy pgN wlsIk FCzQp Paw tzS YJTm nu oeN NT mBIYK p wfd FnLzG gYRj j hwTA MiFHDJ OfEaOE LHClvsQ Tt tQvUL jOfTGOW YbBkcL OVud nkSH fKOO CUL W bpcDf V IbqG P IPcqyH hBH FqFwsXA Xdtc d DnfD Q YHY Ps SNqSa h hY TO vGS bgWQqL MvTD VzGt ryF CSl NKq ParDYIZ mbcQO fTEDhm tSllS srOx LrGDI IyHvPjC EW bTOmFT bcDcA Zqm h yHL HGAJZ BLe LqY GbOUzy esz l nez uNJEY BCOfsVB UBbg c SR vvGlX kXj gpvAr l Z GJk Gi a wg ccspz sySm xHibMpk EIhNl VlZf Jy Yy DFrNn izGq uV nVrujl kQLyxB HcLj NzM G dkT z IGXNEg WvW roPGca owjUrQ SsztQ lm OD zXeM eFfmz MPk
To view this article, become a Morningstar Basic member.
Register For Free