What does it mean for a fund to change its asset allocation over time?

When a fund changes its asset allocation over time, it signifies a strategic decision to adjust the percentage of various asset classes within the portfolio in response to factors such as the investor's risk tolerance, investment horizon, and changing market conditions. This adjustment aims to optimize returns while managing risk as time progresses.

The focus on varying percentages of different assets is crucial because, as an individual nears retirement or a predefined financial goal, their investment strategy typically shifts from higher-risk investments (like equities) to lower-risk investments (such as bonds or cash equivalents). This gradual reallocation helps protect against market volatility and aligns the investment strategy with the investor's changing financial needs.

This approach acknowledges that different asset classes behave differently over time, and optimizing the allocation can help in achieving more stable returns in correlation with the investor's lifespan or financial goals.