The managers running the biggest active funds picked stocks that beat the market in 2025 — and most still lagged their benchmark. A Morningstar do-nothing experiment and a body of academic research explain why active funds underperform even when the picking is good: skilled buying undone by poor selling, the hidden cost of trading, and the incentives that keep managers churning. The UK evidence points the same way.
Overpaying rarely makes sense, whether it's for groceries or financial services. In investing, paying too much can quietly erode your long-term returns. Some costs are worth it. But many investors pay far more than they need to, often without realising it. According to investment strategist JOACHIM KLEMENT, that money benefits others far more than it benefits you. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. High fees reduce your returns Klement warns that unnecessary fees often reward the product provi
Robin Powell
Mar 10, 20253 min read
SUBSCRIBE
Simply provide your email address to receive our regular update.
