The persistent gap between the returns investors actually experience and reported total returns makes cash flow timing one of the most significant factors—along with investment costs and tax efficiency—that can influence an investor's end results.

In this report, we dig into these nuances and explore how differences in the timing of cash flows, sequence of returns, and asset size can impact this gap. In addition, our research imparts a few lessons on how investors can avoid these gaps and capture more of their fund holdings’ total returns.

What is inside the mind the gap report:

• How returns break down across asset classes
• How return gaps trend over time across categories
• The impact of dollar-cost averaging, or investing a set dollar amount on a regular schedule

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