Which of the following responses describes an advantage of index funds?

Index funds offer a distinct advantage in the form of lower management fees, which is primarily attributed to their passive management approach. Unlike actively managed funds, which require a team of analysts and managers to select securities and frequently trade assets in the pursuit of higher returns, index funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500. This strategy requires less frequent trading and fewer resources, allowing the fund to pass on the cost savings to investors in the form of lower management fees.

This cost-effectiveness is a significant draw for investors because lower fees can enhance overall returns over time, especially in markets where active management does not consistently outperform. Additionally, since index funds are designed to match the market, they typically do not experience the same level of turnover as actively managed funds, contributing further to their lower costs.