- \n
- Major gaps in understanding cost of funds and investment advice signals opportunity for advisors to help educate investors about fees and expenses.\n
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- Those who think they understand expense ratios and basis points believe the average expense ratio considered no<\/span> longer \u201clow cost\u201d is 0.61%, which exceeds the asset-weighted average expense ratio of U.S. open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.\n
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- Fund price is not ranked highly as a primary criteria when evaluating investments like mutual funds and ETFs.\n
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- Inflation is top of mind and a primary concern for investors in today\u2019s environment. Rising taxes is a close second.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nState Street Global Advisors, the asset management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), today announced the findings of its Low-Cost Investing Survey, which reveals a lack of general understanding persists about the management costs and advisory fees investors pay, despite the financial industry\u2019s efforts to make fees more transparent.\n<\/p>\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20210727005603\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nNearly half of investors believe the management costs of investments like mutual funds and ETFs are already included in the fee they pay their advisor or investment platform. (State Street Global Advisors Low-Cost Investing Survey)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nConfusion exists about how investors pay for both investment products and the guidance they receive from an advisor. An overwhelming majority indicate they are at least aware of what expense ratios and basis points are, however less than one-third feel they understand each \u201ccompletely.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n\u201cComprehension of investment product fees \u2013 and fees in general \u2013 is low even among those working with an advisor. This underscores how much work our industry has to do when it comes to price transparency and investor education,\u201d said Brie Williams, Head of Practice Management at State Street Global Advisors. \u201cThere\u2019s a clear opportunity for advisors to talk to clients about what they own, why they own it, and how much it costs.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\nFurthermore, nearly half (47 percent) of investors believe the management costs of investments like mutual funds and ETFs are already included<\/i> in the fee they pay their advisors or investment platform. Notably, investors currently working with an advisor (60 percent) are more likely to agree with this, versus 37 percent of self-directed investors.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe younger the investor, the more likely they are to agree with this false statement: 71 percent of Millennials agree versus 51 percent in Generation X and 36 percent of Boomers, who presumably have had more investment experience over their lifetime.\n<\/p>\n
\nSimilarly, there is a lack of understanding about the meaning of diversification. While the vast majority of investors (85 percent) agree \u201ca well-diversified portfolio is one with a variety of investments that reduce stock market risk,\u201d 55 percent incorrectly believe, \u201ca well-diversified portfolio is having investments in a variety of accounts at different firms or investment platforms.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
How Low is \u201cLow-Cost?\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
\nWhile the overall awareness of costs at the investment product level seems to be high, understanding of what the specific costs actually are is low.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe survey found an overwhelming majority of investors say they are at least aware of what expense ratios are (87 percent) and what basis points are (83 percent), however less than one-third say they understand each \u201ccompletely.\u201d More self-directed investors than advised investors say they have a complete understanding of what these terms mean (34 percent versus 24 percent respectively for expense ratio; 30 percent versus 19 percent respectively for basis points).\n<\/p>\n
\nFurthermore, there seems to be a limited understanding of just how \u201clow\u201d low-cost actually is when it comes to fund expenses. Among those who think they understand expense ratio and\/or basis points, the average expense ratio they consider to be no<\/span> longer \u201clow cost\u201d is 0.61%. Meanwhile, the asset-weighted average expense ratio of U.S. open-end mutual funds is 0.51% and the average asset-weighted ETF cost is just 0.20%1<\/sup>.\n<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCost differences vary drastically across mutual funds and ETFs. From an ETF provider\u2019s perspective, low cost is generally considered funds with an expense ratio of 0.10% or less \u2013 this is 6x lower than the threshold of investors in the survey,\u201d said Williams. \u201cThe bottom line is, when all other variables are equal, lower cost investments can help investors keep more of what they earn in their portfolio.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\nWhen asked to rank order factors in terms of importance when evaluating investments like mutual funds and ETFs, the majority of investors prioritize \u201crisk compared to return\u201d (53 percent), \u201cquality of stocks in the fund\u201d (51 percent), \u201cperformance compared to peers\u201d (46 percent) and \u201cperformance compared to the benchmark(s)\u201d (42 percent) over \u201cmanagement cost of the fund\u201d (35 percent).\n<\/p>\n
\nSurprisingly, \u201ctrack record of the fund manager\u201d (28 percent), \u201cmarket sectors covered in the fund\u201d (22 percent) and \u201ctax efficiency\u201d (22 percent) are ranked among the least important factors.\n<\/p>\n
Inflation & Taxes Outrank Retirement Savings As Top Concerns<\/b><\/p>\n
\nWhen it came to concern over some of the financial unknowns or variables investors commonly worry about, taxes and inflation rose to the top. Notably, more investors are concerned with rising inflation (65 percent) and rising taxes (61 percent) than saving enough for retirement (55 percent).\n<\/p>\n
\nMillennials and Generation X are more concerned than Boomers about saving enough for retirement (66 percent and 68 percent versus 44 percent respectively).\n<\/p>\n
\nThe survey also found awareness of the negative impact taxes could have on overall investment returns is high. About two-thirds of investors (62 percent) consider how much taxes could deplete their returns when they think about investments. Millennials (78 percent) seem the most concerned about the bite taxes could take out of their returns, with Generation X not far behind at 69 percent, compared to 51 percent of Boomers.\n<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe expect to see record high flows into low-cost, tax-efficient ETFs<\/a>, especially if tax rates increase and the low-yield interest rate environment persists,\u201d said Williams. \u201cInvestors should be talking to their advisor about strategies for minimizing the impact that cost, taxes and inflation can have on their overall portfolio.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\nEarlier this year, State Street Global Advisors reduced the expense ratios of the following fixed income ETFs: SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF (SPMB)<\/a>, SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF (SPHY)<\/a>, SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF (SPAB)<\/a>, and SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF (SPBO)<\/a>. Fixed income ETFs can help investors reduce their total cost of ownership versus comparable mutual funds; for more on State Street\u2019s point of view on this topic read Keep More of What You Earn with Fixed Income ETFs<\/a> on ssga.com.\n<\/p>\n
\nTo learn more about how investors are using low-cost ETFs to achieve a variety of investment objectives, read Build a Low-Cost Core Portfolio with SPDR ETFs<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
\nLaunched in 2017, SPDR\u00ae Portfolio ETFs\u2122<\/a> are designed to provide investors greater choice in low-cost ETFs. The suite includes 22 SPDR ETFs spanning US equity, international equity and fixed income asset classes to help investors build a diversified core portfolio of stocks and bonds with ETFs priced as low as three basis points. Widely embraced by investors, SPDR Portfolio ETFs have more than $111 billion of assets.2<\/sup><\/p>\n
\nFor more information on the SPDR ETF suite, visit www.ssga.com\/etfs<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
\nFor more information on ETF basics, visit our ETF education landing page<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
About State Street Global Advisors Low-Cost Investing Survey<\/b><\/p>\n
\nState Street Global Advisors, in partnership with A2B Planning and our field partner, Prodege, conducted an online survey among a nationally representative sample of adults. Data was collected from June 18 \u2013 June 20, 2021. For our Custom \u201cLow Cost\u201d Analysis, we analyze 224 adults with Investable Assets (IA) of $250K or more.\n<\/p>\n
About SPDR Exchange Traded Funds<\/b><\/p>\n
\nSPDR ETFs are a comprehensive family spanning an array of international and domestic asset classes. SPDR ETFs are sponsored by affiliates of State Street Global Advisors. The funds provide investors with the flexibility to select investments that are aligned to their investment strategy. For more information, visit www.ssga.com\/etfs<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
About State Street Global Advisors<\/b><\/p>\n
\nFor four decades, State Street Global Advisors has served the world\u2019s governments, institutions and financial advisors. With a rigorous, risk-aware approach built on research, analysis and market-tested experience, we build from a breadth of active and index strategies to create cost-effective solutions. As stewards, we help portfolio companies see that what is fair for people and sustainable for the planet can deliver long-term performance. And, as pioneers in index, ETF, and ESG investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest. As a result, we have become the world\u2019s fourth-largest asset manager* with US $3.90 trillion\u2020<\/sub> under our care.\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n \n \n*Pensions & Investments Research Center, as of 12\/31\/20.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \n \u2020<\/sub>This figure is presented as of June 30, 2021 and includes approximately $63.59 billion of assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated<\/i>.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \n \n1.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
\n \nMorningstar data as of July 19, 2021, based on SPDR Americas Research Calculations\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n \n2.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n
\n \nBloomberg Finance L.P. data as of June 30, 2021\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n
Important Risk Disclosures<\/b><\/p>\n
\nThe information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor\u2019s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGA\u2019s express written consent.\n<\/p>\n
\nInvesting involves risk, including the risk of loss of principal.\n<\/p>\n
\nThis communication is not intended to be an investment recommendation or investment advice and should not be relied upon as such.\n<\/p>\n
\nETFs trade like stocks, are subject to investment risk, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below the ETFs net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.\n<\/p>\n
\nWhile the shares of ETFs are tradable on secondary markets, they may not readily trade in all market conditions and may trade at significant discounts in periods of market stress.\n<\/p>\n
\nForeign investments involve greater risks than U.S. investments, including political and economic risks and the risk of currency fluctuations, all of which may be magnified in emerging markets.\n<\/p>\n
\nBond funds contain interest rate risk (as interest rates rise bond prices usually fall). There are additional risks for funds that invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities including the risk of issuer default; credit risk and inflation risk.\n<\/p>\n
\nNon-diversified funds that focus on a relatively small number of securities tend to be more volatile than diversified funds and the market as a whole.\n<\/p>\n
\nPassively managed funds hold a range of securities that, in the aggregate, approximates the full Index in terms of key risk factors and other characteristics. This may cause the fund to experience tracking errors relative to performance of the index.\n<\/p>\n
\nStandard & Poor\u2019s\u00ae<\/sup>, S&P\u00ae<\/sup> and SPDR\u00ae<\/sup> are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor\u2019s Financial Services LLC (S&P); Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (Dow Jones); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (SPDJI) and sublicensed for certain purposes by State Street Corporation. State Street Corporation\u2019s financial products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates and third-party licensors and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability in relation thereto, including for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of any index.\n<\/p>\n
Distributor:<\/b> State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. References to State Street may include State Street Corporation and its affiliates. Certain State Street affiliates provide services and receive fees from the SPDR ETFs.\n<\/p>\n
Before investing, consider the funds\u2019 investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus which contains this and other information, call 1-866-787-2257 or visit ssga.com. Read it carefully. <\/b><\/p>\n
Not FDIC Insured \u00b7 No Bank Guarantee \u00b7 May Lose Value<\/b><\/p>\n
\n\u00a9 2021 State Street Corporation.\n<\/p>\n
\nAll Rights Reserved.\n<\/p>\n
\n3667257.1.1.AM.RTL \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Exp. Date: 08\/31\/2022\n<\/p>\n
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View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20210727005603\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
- Fund price is not ranked highly as a primary criteria when evaluating investments like mutual funds and ETFs.\n
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