Retirement Plans Six American Funds among Morningstar’s “Thrilling 33”

All six are building blocks of our target date series

Out of 15,000 fund share classes, only 33 were deemed “Thrilling” by Morningstar —

Graphic shows that out of 15,000 fund share classes surveyed, only 33 made Morningstar’s “Thrilling” list, with 6 from American Funds.

And 6 of those are American Funds®*

Funds were selected based on what Morningstar believes are “high standards on the most important factors,” 9 tests assessing returns, expenses, risk, analyst ratings and more. Less than a quarter of 1% made the final cut.

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All 6 “Thrilling” American Funds are underlying funds in our American Funds Target Date Retirement Series*

Our series has more underlying “Thrilling 33” funds than the other top 10 series — combined.†

Graph shows American Funds Target Date Retirement Series has 6 Morningstar “Thrilling” strategies. Fidelity Freedom Series has 1, Fidelity Freedom Blend Series 1 and all other 10 largest series 0.

In evaluating target date funds, investors should consider how the various features of each fund, including the underlying funds, investment results, expenses and glide path construction, apply to their personal situation.

Passive funds are not managed to generate returns that exceed their benchmarks, so target date funds that have only passive underlying investments likely will not have funds on the Morningstar “Thrilling” list.

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“Thrilling” underlying funds

“Thrilling” funds in each American Funds Target Date Retirement Series vintage*

For more information, click on each fund name.

New Perspective Fund is in every vintage from 2030 through 2070.
American Mutual Fund is in every vintage from 2010 through 2070.
The New Economy Fund is in every vintage from 2040 through 2070.
American Balanced Fund is in every vintage from 2010 through 2070.
The Income Fund of America is in every vintage from 2010 through 2055.
Capital Income Builder is in every vintage from 2010 through 2055.

Fund holdings at the vintage level as of December 31, 2025.

American Funds Target Date Retirement Series

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Footnotes/Important information:

*Source: Morningstar,  “The Thrilling 33” by Russel Kinnel, August 13, 2025. Morningstar’s screening took into consideration expense ratios, manager ownership, returns over manager’s tenure, and Morningstar Risk, Medalist and Parent ratings. The universe was limited to share classes accessible to individual investors with a minimum investment no greater than $50,000, did not include funds of funds and had been rated by Morningstar analysts. Class A shares were evaluated for American Funds. American Funds Target Date Retirement Series invests in Class R-6 shares of the underlying American Funds. Not all “Thrilling” American Funds are in each target date fund. Underlying funds may change over time. Visit morningstar.com for more details.

†Source for the largest target date series: Morningstar, as defined by mutual fund assets as of December 31, 2025.

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.
Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the mutual fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.
Lower rated bonds are subject to greater fluctuations in value and risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated bonds.
The return of principal for bond portfolios and for portfolios with significant underlying bond holdings is not guaranteed. Investments are subject to the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with the underlying bond holdings.
Investing outside the United States involves risks, such as currency fluctuations, periods of illiquidity and price volatility. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries.
Smaller company stocks entail additional risks, and they can fluctuate in price more than larger company stocks.
Although the target date portfolios are managed for investors on a projected retirement date time frame, the allocation strategy does not guarantee that investors' retirement goals will be met. Investment professionals manage the portfolio, moving it from a more growth-oriented strategy to a more income-oriented focus as the target date gets closer. The target date is the year that corresponds roughly to the year in which an investor is assumed to retire and begin taking withdrawals. Investment professionals continue to manage each portfolio for approximately 30 years after it reaches its target date.
All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.
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This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.
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