Fund Overlap

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Fund Overlap'

A situation resulting from owning several mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold positions in some of the same securities. Fund overlap reduces the benefits of diversification for the investor.  

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Fund Overlap'

While small amounts of overlap are to be expected, extreme cases of fund overlap can expose an investor to high levels of company or sector risk, which can distort portfolio returns when compared with a relevant benchmark.

It can be very difficult for a retail investor to keep up fund holdings, but a quarterly or annual check can help investors to understand the strategy of each individual fund, and provide an opportunity to compare top holdings from one fund to another.

If, for example, two separate mutual funds both have overweighted the same stock, it might be worth replacing one of the funds with a similar fund that doesn't carry that stock as a top holding.  If a specific sector is overweighted in two funds (such as an overweight position in technology relative to the S&P 500), the investor will need to weigh the benefits and risks of this increased exposure. 

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Mutual Fund

    An investment ...
  2. Exchange-Traded Fund - ETF

    A security that ...
  3. Standard & Poor's 500 Index - S&P 500

    An index of 500 ...
  4. Sector Fund

    A stock mutual, ...
  5. Asset Allocation

    An investment ...
  6. Overweight

    1. A situation ...
  7. Underweight

    1. A situation ...
  8. China ETF

    Exchange-traded ...
  9. Index

    A statistical ...
  10. Reverse Gold ETF

    Exchange traded ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. Too Many Mutual Funds?

    Is there a magic number you should be aiming for? Find out here.
  2. Mutual Funds Are Awesome - Except When They're Not

    This investment is very popular, but that doesn't mean it comes without risk.
  3. 20 Investments You Should Know

    To take advantage of all your investing options, you need to know what your choices are. Here we tell you about the diverse features and advantages of 20 different financial instruments.
  4. Build A Model Portfolio With Style Investing

    This sophisticated approach will add flair to your returns.
  5. 5 Common Misconceptions About ETFs

    The rise in these funds' popularity has contributed to misinformation about what they are and how they work. Learn more here.
  6. Using ETFs To Build A Cost-Effective Portfolio

    ETFs are a viable alternative to mutual funds, but before you invest, there are a few things you should know.
  7. Can Regular Investors Beat The Market?

    With the big name competition out there, hard-working people who invest have a tough time beating the market.
  8. Reinvesting Capital Gains In Leveraged Portfolios

    Don't get forced into action. Learn how to plan properly to avoid making rash decisions.
  9. Hedging With ETFs: A Cost-Effective Alternative

    The benefits of ETFs for hedging are clear and investors of all sizes are taking notice.
  10. Going Green With Exchange Traded Funds

    As investors become more environmentally conscious, the exchange traded fund market is following.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center