What is a key factor to consider when selecting bond and equity managers?

A key factor in selecting bond and equity managers is their after-tax performance. This consideration is crucial because taxes can significantly impact the net returns an investor receives. While historical returns before tax provide insights into a manager's performance, they do not reflect the actual economic benefit to the investor after accounting for tax liabilities.

Investors are often concerned with what they truly take home after taxes are paid on interest, dividends, and capital gains. Therefore, assessing after-tax performance gives a clearer picture of how various investment strategies will ultimately affect the net worth of an investor's portfolio over time.

In addition, different investments are taxed at different rates, which can also influence the effectiveness of a manager's strategies. For instance, the taxation of bond income differs from that of equity capital gains, and recognizing these differences in manager performance can lead to more informed investment choices.

Consequently, ensuring that performance evaluations consider the post-tax perspective allows investors to make decisions that align with their after-tax return objectives, enhancing overall portfolio management.