When it comes to managing your wealth, choosing the right investment company can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to do your research and find a company that aligns with your financial goals and values. Fisher Investments is a well-known investment management firm that has been in the industry for over four decades. But is Fisher Investments a good investment company? In this article, we’ll delve into the company’s history, investment strategies, fees, and services to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief History of Fisher Investments
Fisher Investments was founded in 1979 by Ken Fisher, a well-known investment guru and author. The company started as a small investment management firm in Woodside, California, and has since grown into a global investment management firm with over $200 billion in assets under management. Fisher Investments is headquartered in Camas, Washington, and has offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries.
Ken Fisher’s Investment Philosophy
Ken Fisher is known for his contrarian investment approach, which involves going against the crowd and investing in undervalued assets. He believes that the key to successful investing is to identify areas of the market that are misunderstood or underappreciated by other investors. Fisher’s investment philosophy is centered around the idea of “debunking” common investment myths and misconceptions.
Investment Strategies
Fisher Investments offers a range of investment strategies that cater to different investor needs and goals. The company’s investment approach is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis, which involves analyzing market data and economic trends to identify investment opportunities.
Portfolio Management
Fisher Investments offers portfolio management services to individual investors, institutions, and retirement plans. The company’s portfolio management team uses a proprietary investment process to create customized portfolios that are tailored to each client’s investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Investment Vehicles
Fisher Investments offers a range of investment vehicles, including:
- Separately managed accounts (SMAs)
Fees and Expenses
Fisher Investments charges a management fee for its investment services, which ranges from 0.89% to 1.19% per year, depending on the investment strategy and account size. The company also charges a small trading fee for buying and selling securities.
Fee Structure
Fisher Investments’ fee structure is as follows:
| Investment Strategy | Management Fee |
| — | — |
| Private Client Group | 1.19% per year |
| Institutional Group | 0.89% per year |
| Retirement Group | 1.09% per year |
Services
Fisher Investments offers a range of services to its clients, including:
Investment Research
Fisher Investments has a team of experienced investment researchers who analyze market trends and economic data to identify investment opportunities. The company’s research team publishes regular market commentary and analysis, which is available to clients and the general public.
Financial Planning
Fisher Investments offers financial planning services to its clients, which includes retirement planning, estate planning, and tax planning. The company’s financial planners work with clients to create customized financial plans that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Client Support
Fisher Investments has a dedicated client support team that is available to answer client questions and provide assistance with account-related matters. The company also offers online account access, which allows clients to view their account information and make changes to their portfolios online.
Pros and Cons
Like any investment company, Fisher Investments has its pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of working with Fisher Investments:
Pros
- Experienced investment team: Fisher Investments has a team of experienced investment professionals who have a deep understanding of the markets and economy.
- Customized investment solutions: The company offers customized investment solutions that are tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals.
- Strong research capabilities: Fisher Investments has a strong research team that publishes regular market commentary and analysis.
Cons
- High fees: Fisher Investments’ management fees are higher than those of some other investment companies.
- Minimum account requirements: The company has minimum account requirements, which may be a barrier for some investors.
- Aggressive investment approach: Fisher Investments’ contrarian investment approach may not be suitable for all investors, particularly those who are risk-averse.
Conclusion
Fisher Investments is a well-established investment management firm that offers a range of investment strategies and services to individual investors, institutions, and retirement plans. While the company has its pros and cons, its experienced investment team, customized investment solutions, and strong research capabilities make it a good option for investors who are looking for a professional investment management firm. However, investors should carefully consider the company’s fees and investment approach before making a decision.
Ultimately, whether or not Fisher Investments is a good investment company for you will depend on your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment objectives. It’s essential to do your research, evaluate your options, and consult with a financial advisor before making a decision.
What is Fisher Investments and how does it work?
Fisher Investments is a privately-held investment management company that provides portfolio management and investment advisory services to individuals, families, trusts, and institutions. The company was founded in 1979 by Ken Fisher and is headquartered in Camas, Washington. Fisher Investments works by creating customized investment portfolios for its clients based on their individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
The company’s investment approach is based on a long-term perspective, and it focuses on investing in high-quality stocks, bonds, and other securities. Fisher Investments also offers a range of investment strategies, including equity, fixed income, and alternative investments. The company’s investment team conducts thorough research and analysis to identify investment opportunities that align with its clients’ goals and objectives.
What are the benefits of investing with Fisher Investments?
Investing with Fisher Investments offers several benefits, including customized investment portfolios, professional investment management, and a long-term investment approach. The company’s experienced investment team works closely with clients to understand their financial goals and risk tolerance, and creates tailored investment portfolios that meet their needs. Additionally, Fisher Investments provides ongoing portfolio management and monitoring, which helps to ensure that clients’ investments remain aligned with their goals over time.
Another benefit of investing with Fisher Investments is its focus on long-term investing. The company’s investment approach is designed to help clients achieve their financial goals over the long term, rather than trying to time the market or make quick profits. This approach can help clients to ride out market volatility and avoid making emotional investment decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
What are the fees associated with investing with Fisher Investments?
Fisher Investments charges a management fee for its investment services, which is typically a percentage of the client’s assets under management. The fee structure varies depending on the type of investment account and the level of assets under management. For example, the company’s private client group charges a management fee of 1.25% to 1.5% per year for accounts with $500,000 to $1 million in assets under management.
In addition to the management fee, clients may also pay other fees and expenses associated with their investments, such as trading commissions and custodial fees. However, Fisher Investments does not charge any upfront fees or commissions for its investment services. The company’s fee structure is designed to align its interests with those of its clients, as the management fee is tied to the performance of the client’s portfolio.
Is Fisher Investments a fiduciary?
Yes, Fisher Investments is a fiduciary, which means that it has a legal obligation to act in the best interests of its clients. As a fiduciary, the company is required to provide investment advice and services that are in the best interests of its clients, rather than its own interests. This means that Fisher Investments must prioritize its clients’ financial goals and objectives over its own profits or interests.
As a fiduciary, Fisher Investments is also required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest to its clients. The company must also provide transparent and accurate information about its investment services, fees, and risks. Fisher Investments’ fiduciary status provides an added layer of protection and assurance for its clients, as they can trust that the company is working in their best interests.
What is the minimum investment requirement for Fisher Investments?
The minimum investment requirement for Fisher Investments varies depending on the type of investment account and the level of service. For example, the company’s private client group requires a minimum investment of $500,000 to open an account. However, the minimum investment requirement may be lower for other types of accounts, such as retirement accounts or institutional accounts.
It’s worth noting that Fisher Investments may waive its minimum investment requirement in certain circumstances, such as for clients who are willing to commit to a larger investment over time. However, the company’s minimum investment requirement is generally higher than that of other investment management firms, which may make it less accessible to smaller investors.
How does Fisher Investments handle investment risk?
Fisher Investments takes a disciplined and diversified approach to managing investment risk. The company’s investment team conducts thorough research and analysis to identify potential risks and opportunities in the market, and creates customized investment portfolios that are designed to manage risk and achieve clients’ financial goals.
Fisher Investments also uses a range of risk management strategies, including diversification, hedging, and asset allocation. The company’s investment team continuously monitors clients’ portfolios and makes adjustments as needed to ensure that they remain aligned with their risk tolerance and investment objectives. Additionally, Fisher Investments provides ongoing education and communication to its clients about investment risk and the company’s risk management strategies.
Is Fisher Investments regulated by any government agencies?
Yes, Fisher Investments is regulated by several government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The company is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and is subject to the agency’s rules and regulations.
Fisher Investments is also a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which provides limited coverage to clients in the event of the company’s insolvency. Additionally, the company is subject to regular audits and examinations by regulatory agencies to ensure that it is complying with applicable laws and regulations. Fisher Investments’ regulatory status provides an added layer of protection and assurance for its clients, as they can trust that the company is operating in a transparent and compliant manner.