Despite the fact that experienced investors consider protecting their retirement savings against market volatility a top priority according to a recent survey, more than half of respondents didn’t realize that index funds wouldn’t protect their nest eggs in case of market crashes.

The survey. “The Wisdom of Experience,”It examined the attitudes and outlook of investors aged 50 or older who have $100,000 or more in investable assets. This study was requested by American FundsCapital Group’s family of mutual funds, including, manages over $1.4 trillion in long term assets for millions of institutional and individual investors.

“Investors close to or already in retirement understand quite well that losses in their portfolios can affect their lifestyle plans because they don’t have time to rebuild their savings,”Pete Thatch, American Funds’ senior vice president and director for wealth management, said the following: “At the same time, 53 percent of those surveyed didn’t fully realize that index funds, which essentially mirror the overall market, expose investors to its full ups and downs. We think this lack of awareness indicates the need for more education about the differences between index funds and actively managed funds — those which seek to hold up better than the market during bad times.”

Thatch explained that it was important for investors who are near retirement to understand what happens to mutual funds in market downturns. Thatch also said that nearly nine in ten (86%) of respondents expect their nest egg to produce income and grow as they age.

“Americans are enjoying longer retirements these days and while that’s great, it also means they’re more likely to encounter market volatility at some point,”Notes for the Thatch “Having the right type of investments, including mutual funds managed with an eye towards protecting their shareholders during downturns, may help investors feel more comfortable and better able to ride out market fluctuations.”?

Other key findings from the survey include:

* Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of investors feel smarter when they stick to a long-term investment strategy and 69 percent don’t change their plans in response to market fluctuations. Only 4 percent of investors said that picking a stock or market sector is what makes them feel smarter.

* Three in four (75 percent) plan to stay invested in stocks to help grow their nest eggs in retirement.

* Three in four (74 percent) believe the right funds can do better than the market and do better than average, with low fees and protection against market downturns ranked as equally important factors for doing well.

* Seven in 10 (72 percent) believe that stock mutual funds with objectives such as growth and income, lower volatility and low fees can help them live better and enjoy their active retirement years.

* Although many began building their nest eggs early on — often before age 30 — almost two-thirds (64 percent) would advise their children and grandchildren to start even earlier.

* Despite widespread concerns among Americans about outliving their retirement savings, older investors are positive and optimistic about their retirement.

* Older investors expect to be more active than the traditional view of retirement, with 29 percent planning to work part-time, 10 percent contemplating a new career and 7 percent planning to start a business.

“Experienced investors clearly understand the importance of having a plan and sticking to it, focusing on the long term and choosing mutual funds whose objectives match their retirement needs,”Thatch. “The wisdom they have acquired over the years can be useful for us all.”

You can find more information on American Funds at www.americanFunds.com www.americanfunds.comFollow us on Twitter @AmericanFunds

The survey was conducted online between October 19-22, 2015, by Capital Group Companies, Inc. APCO Insight, a global opinion consultancy, conducted the survey among U.S. citizens 50 and older with at least $100,000 of investable assets and some responsibility to make investment decisions for their family. 1 035 people participated in the survey. According to the U.S. Census Bureau this sample reflects national representation of key demographic measures.

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