What is an important characteristic of index funds?

An important characteristic of index funds is that they aim to match the performance of a specific market index. This approach is designed to replicate the performance of a particular benchmark index, such as the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq-100. Index funds invest in the same securities that compose the index, in the same proportions, which allows them to offer investors a diversified investment that reflects a sector or the entire market without trying to outperform it.

This characteristic sets index funds apart from actively managed funds, which rely on portfolio managers to make investment decisions with the goal of beating the index. Index funds generally have lower management fees due to their passive investment strategy. Additionally, index funds offer exposure to a broad range of stocks, which can include both domestic and international stocks, but they are not limited to only international stocks.