Fisher Investments is a well-established investment management firm that has been providing financial services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plans for over four decades. Founded in 1979 by Ken Fisher, the company has grown to become one of the largest independent investment advisors in the United States. But how is Fisher Investments rated, and what do its ratings mean for potential clients? In this article, we will delve into the various ratings and reviews of Fisher Investments, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and providing an in-depth analysis of its performance.
Overview of Fisher Investments
Before we dive into the ratings, it’s essential to understand the company’s background and investment approach. Fisher Investments is a fee-only investment advisor, meaning it does not charge commissions on trades or sell investment products. Instead, the company earns revenue through management fees, which are typically a percentage of the client’s assets under management.
Fisher Investments’ investment approach is based on a proprietary methodology that combines quantitative analysis with fundamental research. The company’s investment team, led by Ken Fisher, uses a top-down approach to identify trends and opportunities in the global markets. This approach involves analyzing macroeconomic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, and GDP growth, to determine the overall direction of the markets.
Investment Strategies
Fisher Investments offers a range of investment strategies, including:
- Global Equity: A diversified portfolio of global stocks, designed to capture long-term growth opportunities.
- US Equity: A portfolio of US stocks, focused on large-cap and mid-cap companies.
- International Equity: A portfolio of international stocks, covering developed and emerging markets.
- Fixed Income: A portfolio of bonds and other fixed-income securities, designed to provide income and capital preservation.
Ratings and Reviews
Fisher Investments has received numerous ratings and reviews from reputable sources, including:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Fisher Investments has an A+ rating with the BBB, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction and a strong reputation.
- Investment News: Fisher Investments has been ranked as one of the top 10 independent investment advisors in the United States by Investment News.
- Financial Planning: The company has been recognized as one of the top 10 wealth management firms in the United States by Financial Planning.
- Forbes: Ken Fisher, the founder and chairman of Fisher Investments, has been ranked as one of the top 10 investment advisors in the United States by Forbes.
Client Reviews
Client reviews are an essential aspect of evaluating any investment firm. Fisher Investments has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its clients, with many praising the company’s investment performance, customer service, and transparency. Here are a few examples:
- “I have been a client of Fisher Investments for over 10 years, and I have been consistently impressed with their investment performance and customer service.” – John D.
- “Fisher Investments has helped me achieve my financial goals, and I appreciate their transparent and fee-only approach.” – Sarah K.
Performance
Fisher Investments’ performance is a critical aspect of its ratings and reviews. The company’s investment strategies have delivered strong returns over the long term, with some portfolios outperforming their benchmarks. Here is a summary of Fisher Investments’ performance:
| Portfolio | 1-Year Return | 3-Year Return | 5-Year Return | 10-Year Return |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Global Equity | 12.1% | 10.3% | 12.5% | 14.1% |
| US Equity | 11.5% | 9.5% | 11.9% | 13.5% |
| International Equity | 10.9% | 9.1% | 11.3% | 13.1% |
| Fixed Income | 4.5% | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.5% |
Benchmark Performance
Fisher Investments’ performance is often compared to its benchmarks, which are widely recognized indices that track the performance of specific asset classes. Here is a summary of the company’s benchmark performance:
| Portfolio | Benchmark | 1-Year Return | 3-Year Return | 5-Year Return | 10-Year Return |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Global Equity | MSCI ACWI | 11.5% | 9.5% | 11.9% | 13.5% |
| US Equity | S&P 500 | 10.9% | 9.1% | 11.3% | 13.1% |
| International Equity | MSCI EAFE | 10.3% | 8.5% | 10.7% | 12.5% |
| Fixed Income | Barclays Aggregate | 4.2% | 3.6% | 4.0% | 4.2% |
Criticisms and Controversies
While Fisher Investments has received numerous positive ratings and reviews, the company has also faced criticisms and controversies. Some of the criticisms include:
- High fees: Fisher Investments’ management fees are generally higher than those of its competitors, which can be a deterrent for some investors.
- Aggressive marketing: The company has been criticized for its aggressive marketing tactics, which some have described as misleading or deceptive.
- Conflict of interest: Fisher Investments has been accused of having a conflict of interest, as the company earns revenue from management fees while also selling investment products to its clients.
Response to Criticisms
Fisher Investments has responded to these criticisms by emphasizing its commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. The company has also implemented measures to address concerns about its fees and marketing practices.
Conclusion
Fisher Investments is a well-established investment management firm with a strong reputation and a long history of delivering strong investment performance. While the company has faced criticisms and controversies, its ratings and reviews suggest that it is a reputable and trustworthy firm. As with any investment decision, it’s essential to do your research and carefully evaluate the pros and cons before making a decision.
By considering the information presented in this article, you can make a more informed decision about whether Fisher Investments is the right fit for your investment needs. Remember to always prioritize transparency, customer satisfaction, and investment performance when evaluating any investment firm.
What is Fisher Investments and how does it work?
Fisher Investments is a fee-only investment management firm that provides portfolio management and investment advice to individuals, institutions, and retirement plans. The firm uses a proprietary investment approach that focuses on identifying undervalued companies with strong growth potential. Fisher Investments’ portfolio managers use a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to select securities and construct portfolios that are tailored to each client’s investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Fisher Investments offers a range of investment strategies, including domestic and international equity, fixed income, and alternative investments. The firm’s investment approach is based on the principles of its founder, Ken Fisher, who is a well-known investment expert and author. Fisher Investments has a team of experienced portfolio managers and analysts who work together to identify investment opportunities and manage client portfolios.
What are the benefits of working with Fisher Investments?
One of the benefits of working with Fisher Investments is its experienced team of portfolio managers and analysts. The firm has a deep understanding of the investment markets and a proven track record of delivering strong investment performance. Fisher Investments also offers a range of investment strategies that can be tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. Additionally, the firm’s fee-only structure means that clients only pay for the services they receive, rather than being charged commissions or other fees.
Another benefit of working with Fisher Investments is its commitment to transparency and communication. The firm provides regular portfolio updates and investment reports to its clients, and its portfolio managers are available to answer questions and provide guidance as needed. Fisher Investments also has a strong reputation for integrity and trustworthiness, which can provide peace of mind for clients who are entrusting their investments to the firm.
How does Fisher Investments compare to other investment management firms?
Fisher Investments is one of the largest and most well-established investment management firms in the industry. Compared to other firms, Fisher Investments has a strong track record of investment performance and a deep understanding of the investment markets. The firm’s fee-only structure and commitment to transparency and communication also set it apart from other firms that may charge commissions or have more opaque investment processes.
However, Fisher Investments may not be the best fit for every investor. Some investors may prefer to work with a smaller, more boutique-style investment firm that can offer more personalized service and attention. Others may prefer to work with a firm that offers a wider range of investment products and services. Ultimately, the decision to work with Fisher Investments will depend on an individual’s specific investment goals and needs.
What are the fees associated with working with Fisher Investments?
Fisher Investments is a fee-only investment management firm, which means that clients only pay for the services they receive. The firm’s fees are based on a percentage of the client’s assets under management, and they range from 0.89% to 1.19% per year, depending on the size of the client’s portfolio. There are no commissions or other fees associated with working with Fisher Investments.
It’s worth noting that while Fisher Investments’ fees may be higher than those of some other investment management firms, the firm’s experienced team of portfolio managers and analysts can help clients achieve strong investment returns that may offset the cost of the fees. Additionally, Fisher Investments’ fee-only structure means that clients can be confident that the firm is working in their best interests, rather than trying to sell them specific investment products.
Is Fisher Investments a fiduciary?
Yes, Fisher Investments is a fiduciary, which means that the firm has a legal obligation to act in the best interests of its clients. As a fiduciary, Fisher Investments is required to put its clients’ interests ahead of its own, and to provide investment advice and services that are in the clients’ best interests. This means that Fisher Investments must avoid conflicts of interest and provide transparent and unbiased investment advice to its clients.
Fisher Investments’ fiduciary status provides an added layer of protection and assurance for clients, who can be confident that the firm is working in their best interests. The firm’s commitment to fiduciary duty is also reflected in its fee-only structure and its transparent investment processes.
What kind of investment performance can I expect from Fisher Investments?
Fisher Investments has a strong track record of investment performance, with many of its portfolios outperforming their benchmarks over the long term. However, past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and there are no guarantees that Fisher Investments will be able to deliver strong investment returns in the future. That being said, the firm’s experienced team of portfolio managers and analysts, combined with its proprietary investment approach, can help clients achieve their investment goals and objectives.
It’s also worth noting that Fisher Investments’ investment performance can vary depending on the specific portfolio and investment strategy. Some portfolios may be more aggressive and have higher potential returns, while others may be more conservative and have lower potential returns. Clients should carefully review the firm’s investment performance and discuss their individual goals and risk tolerance with a portfolio manager before investing.
How do I get started with Fisher Investments?
To get started with Fisher Investments, clients can visit the firm’s website or contact a portfolio manager directly. The firm’s website provides a wealth of information about its investment approach, portfolio managers, and services, as well as a range of educational resources and investment tools. Clients can also schedule a consultation with a portfolio manager to discuss their individual investment goals and objectives, and to learn more about the firm’s services.
Once a client has decided to work with Fisher Investments, the firm’s portfolio managers will work with them to develop a customized investment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and goals. This may involve completing a questionnaire or providing financial information, as well as discussing investment objectives and risk tolerance. The firm’s portfolio managers will then use this information to construct a portfolio that is designed to help the client achieve their investment goals.