What distinguishes active fund management from passive fund management?

Active fund management is characterized by a strategy aimed at outperforming a specific benchmark or the overall market. Fund managers actively research and select securities, based on market trends, economic conditions, and other factors, with the goal of generating higher returns than those available from a market index. This approach requires frequent adjustments to the fund's portfolio, as managers will buy and sell securities in response to market movements and perceived opportunities.

In contrast, passive fund management seeks to track the performance of an index or benchmark, not to outperform it. This strategy typically involves holding a representative sample of securities from the index, leading to lower trading activity and, generally, lower fees. The emphasis in passive management is not on making dollar-for-dollar trades or tactical decisions based on market analysis but rather on maintaining a stable and consistent investment approach that reflects the index's overall performance.

By understanding that active management is defined by its aggressive pursuit of higher returns through the selective buying and selling of assets, it becomes clear why this choice stands out in the context of the question.