The Truth About Fisher Investments’ Fees: What You Need to Know

When it comes to investment management, one of the most important factors to consider is the fee structure. After all, you want to know how much of your hard-earned money will be going towards management fees, and whether those fees are justified by the returns on your investment. Fisher Investments is a well-known investment management firm that has been in business for over 40 years, and in this article, we’ll delve into the details of their fee structure to help you make an informed decision.

How Much Does Fisher Investments Charge?

Fisher Investments charges a management fee based on the assets under management (AUM). This means that the fee is a percentage of the total value of your investment portfolio. The exact percentage will depend on the size of your portfolio and the specific services you require.

The fee structure at Fisher Investments is as follows:

  • For portfolios under $500,000, the management fee is 1.25%
  • For portfolios between $500,000 and $1 million, the management fee is 1.15%
  • For portfolios between $1 million and $2 million, the management fee is 1.05%
  • For portfolios over $2 million, the management fee is negotiable

It’s worth noting that these fees are for investment management services only, and do not include any additional fees that may be associated with underlying investment products, such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

What Do You Get for Your Money?

Fisher Investments is a comprehensive investment management firm that offers a wide range of services to its clients. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect when you work with Fisher Investments:

  • Personalized investment advice: Fisher Investments takes a personalized approach to investment management, taking into account your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.
  • Customized portfolio construction: Fisher Investments’ investment professionals will work with you to construct a customized portfolio that is designed to meet your unique needs and goals.
  • Ongoing portfolio management: Fisher Investments’ investment team will continue to monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed, to ensure that it remains aligned with your goals and objectives.
  • Access to a dedicated investment counselor: As a client of Fisher Investments, you’ll have access to a dedicated investment counselor who can answer your questions and provide guidance and support.

How Do Fisher Investments’ Fees Compare to the Industry Average?

Fisher Investments’ fees are generally considered to be competitive with the industry average. According to a study by AdvisoryHQ, the average investment management fee for assets under management ranges from 0.50% to 1.50%.

Assets Under Management (AUM)Average Investment Management Fee
Less than $500,0001.25% – 1.50%
$500,000 – $1 million1.00% – 1.25%
$1 million – $2 million0.75% – 1.00%
More than $2 million0.50% – 0.75%

As you can see, Fisher Investments’ fees are generally in line with the industry average, although they may be slightly higher for smaller portfolios.

Are Fisher Investments’ Fees Worth It?

Whether or not Fisher Investments’ fees are worth it will depend on your individual financial goals and objectives. If you’re looking for a comprehensive investment management firm with a strong track record of performance, then the fees may be justified.

Here are a few reasons why Fisher Investments’ fees may be worth it:

  • Expertise and experience: Fisher Investments has been in business for over 40 years, and has a team of experienced investment professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of the investment market.
  • Personalized service: Fisher Investments takes a personalized approach to investment management, which means that you’ll receive customized advice and guidance tailored to your individual needs and goals.
  • Strong performance track record: Fisher Investments has a strong track record of performance, with many of its investment strategies outperforming the broader market.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or are looking for a more DIY approach to investment management, then the fees may not be justified.

Alternatives to Fisher Investments

If you’re considering Fisher Investments but are concerned about the fees, there are several alternatives to consider. Here are a few options:

  • Vanguard Personal Advisor Services: Vanguard offers a range of low-cost investment management services, with fees starting at just 0.30% of AUM.
  • Fidelity Portfolio Advisory Services: Fidelity offers a range of investment management services, with fees starting at just 0.35% of AUM.
  • Schwab Intelligent Portfolios: Schwab offers a range of low-cost ETF portfolios, with fees starting at just 0.08% of AUM.

It’s worth noting that these alternatives may not offer the same level of personalized service and expertise as Fisher Investments, so be sure to do your research and consider your options carefully.

Conclusion

Fisher Investments is a well-established investment management firm with a strong track record of performance. While the fees may be slightly higher than those of some of its competitors, the personalized service and expertise offered by Fisher Investments may be worth the extra cost. Ultimately, whether or not Fisher Investments’ fees are justified will depend on your individual financial goals and objectives. Be sure to do your research and consider your options carefully before making a decision.

What are Fisher Investments’ management fees?

Fisher Investments, a fee-based investment management firm, charges its clients a management fee that is typically a percentage of their investment portfolio’s value. The management fee is usually around 0.75% to 1.50% per annum, although it can vary depending on the type of investment strategy and the size of the portfolio.

The management fee is deducted quarterly from the client’s portfolio, and it gives Fisher Investments the incentive to grow the portfolio’s value over time. The fee structure is designed to align the interests of the investment manager with those of the client, as the manager only earns more if the portfolio performs well.

How do Fisher Investments’ fees compare to other investment managers?

Fisher Investments’ fees are generally considered to be competitive with those of other investment management firms. While some firms may charge lower fees, they may also offer limited services or have higher minimum investment requirements. Other firms may charge higher fees but offer more personalized service or specialized investment strategies.

When comparing fees, it’s essential to consider the services provided, the investment strategy, and the potential returns. Fisher Investments offers a high level of personalized service, a disciplined investment approach, and the potential for long-term growth. Their fees reflect the value they bring to their clients, and they are transparent about their pricing structure.

What other fees might I incur with Fisher Investments?

In addition to the management fee, Fisher Investments’ clients may incur other fees, including custodial fees, trading fees, and other expenses related to the management of their portfolios. These fees are typically small and are deducted from the client’s portfolio.

Custodial fees are usually charged by the custodian, such as Fidelity or Charles Schwab, and cover the costs of holding and servicing the client’s account. Trading fees are incurred when buying or selling securities, and they vary depending on the type and number of trades. Other expenses might include fees for tax preparation, accounting, or other services. Fisher Investments tries to keep these fees as low as possible to minimize their impact on client returns.

Are Fisher Investments’ fees tax-deductible?

Yes, Fisher Investments’ management fees are tax-deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on Schedule A of the client’s tax return. This means that clients can deduct the management fee as an investment expense, which may help reduce their taxable income.

However, it’s essential to consult with a tax professional to ensure that the fees are deducted correctly and in compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations. The tax laws and regulations can change, and Fisher Investments does not provide tax advice, so it’s crucial to seek professional guidance on this matter.

Can I negotiate Fisher Investments’ fees?

While Fisher Investments’ fees are generally non-negotiable, they may consider exceptions in certain circumstances. For example, larger portfolios or institutional clients may be eligible for a discounted fee structure. In some cases, Fisher Investments might offer a promotional or introductory fee rate to new clients.

However, it’s essential to remember that Fisher Investments’ fees are designed to reflect the value they bring to their clients. The firm’s investment approach and services are tailored to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals, and the fees are structured to ensure that the firm can continue to provide high-quality service and expertise.

How do Fisher Investments’ fees impact my investment returns?

Fisher Investments’ fees do impact client investment returns, as they are deducted from the portfolio’s value. However, the firm’s investment approach is designed to generate returns that exceed the fees over the long term. By investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality securities, Fisher Investments aims to create value for its clients that more than offsets the fees.

While fees can eat into returns, Fisher Investments believes that their fees are a worthwhile investment in their clients’ financial futures. By partnering with the firm, clients can benefit from a disciplined investment approach, expert portfolio management, and a commitment to helping them achieve their long-term financial goals.

What if I’m not satisfied with Fisher Investments’ fees or services?

If a client is not satisfied with Fisher Investments’ fees or services, they can terminate their agreement with the firm at any time. There are no long-term contracts or lock-up periods, and clients can withdraw their assets or transfer them to another investment manager.

Fisher Investments prides itself on its transparent and client-centric approach. If a client is unhappy with the fees or services, the firm will work with them to address their concerns and provide a satisfactory solution. However, if the client ultimately decides to leave, they can do so without penalty or restriction.

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