What is a target date ETF?

A target date ETF is designed around a specific retirement year (the "target date") and typically becomes more conservative as that date approaches. This is often called a glide path.

Target date products are common as mutual funds, but ETF versions exist and aim to offer a similar experience in ETF form.

If you're evaluating a target date ETF, focus on the glide path, the underlying holdings, fees, and how it handles rebalancing. Two funds with the same target year can have meaningfully different risk profiles depending on their design.