Fisher Investments Fees Explained

Man in Blue Shirt and Black Pants Fishing on River
Credit: pexels.com, Man in Blue Shirt and Black Pants Fishing on River

Fisher Investments charges a management fee, which can range from 0.25% to 1.5% of your portfolio's value, depending on the investment strategy you choose.

Their fee structure is transparent and straightforward, making it easy to understand what you're paying for.

Fisher Investments is a fee-only investment firm, meaning they don't earn commissions from buying or selling securities, which can help keep costs down.

They also offer a range of investment strategies, each with its own fee, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Their fees are competitive with other investment firms, and they offer a range of services, including financial planning and portfolio management, for an additional fee.

One thing to note is that Fisher Investments doesn't charge a load or sales fee, which can save you money in the long run.

Fees Overview

Fisher Investments is a fee-only investment adviser, which means their interests are aligned with yours - they do better when you do better.

Stack of 10 and 20 euro banknotes symbolizing finance and economy.
Credit: pexels.com, Stack of 10 and 20 euro banknotes symbolizing finance and economy.

Their fees are based only on the value of the assets they manage for you, making it simple and straightforward.

They don't charge hidden or layered fees, so what you see is what you get.

Fisher Investments' fee structure is competitive, often lower than many other financial professionals' fees.

Here are the details of their fee structure:

This progressive, bracketed fee structure means that the more assets you have, the lower the fee percentage.

Fees Structure

Fisher Investments charges an annual fee based on the total amount of assets it manages on your behalf. The fee structure is progressive, with different rates applied to different asset brackets.

The first $1 million is charged at 1.25%, while the next $4 million is charged at 1.125%. Anything over $5 million is charged at 1%. This means that the more assets you have, the lower the percentage-based fee you'll pay.

Here's an example of how the fees would break down for a $15 million portfolio: 1.25% on the first $1 million, 1.125% on the next $4 million, and 1% on the remaining $10 million. This would result in a total annual fee of $157,500. For a $2 million portfolio, the annual fee would be $23,750.

Fee Structure

Man Pulling Fish Net Out Of The Water
Credit: pexels.com, Man Pulling Fish Net Out Of The Water

Fisher Investments charges an annual fee based on the total amount of assets it manages on your behalf. The fee structure is progressive, with different rates applied to different asset brackets.

The first $1 million is charged at 1.25%. This is the same fee structure used by Fisher Funds, which charges a fixed management fee of 1.12% for the Conservative Fund and 1.27% for the Growth Fund.

If you have a portfolio of $15 million, you'll be charged 1.25% on the first $1 million, 1.125% on the next $4 million, and 1% on the remaining $10 million. This totals $157,500 in annual fees.

The company also charges $7-10 per trade, though this is a pass-through commission that goes to its broker.

Here's a breakdown of the fee structure:

Fisher Investments is a fee-only advisor, meaning it only makes money based on the value of your assets. This helps align its interests with yours, as it does better when you do better.

Spreads

Illustration of man carrying box of financial loss on back
Credit: pexels.com, Illustration of man carrying box of financial loss on back

Fisher Funds may apply buy and sell spreads during periods of exceptionally high transaction volumes.

These spreads are not typically applied under normal trading and market conditions.

You can find out if any buy or sell spreads have been applied by checking a specific page.

Business Model

Fisher Investments operates as a crossover between a product creator and a financial advisor, combining the two roles in a way that's not typical in the industry. This unique approach allows them to charge financial advisor fees, which can be as high as 1.5% of your assets.

Their business model is highly lucrative, with Ken Fisher being the wealthiest financial advisor in the world, boasting a net worth of over $8.1 billion. This success is largely due to their ability to scale their operations and marketing efforts like a fund manager, while still charging high fees.

Fisher Investments is a fee-only advisor, meaning they make money by charging a percentage fee based on their clients' assets. This fee structure is slightly higher than the industry average, which may be a concern for some investors.

Some high-quality fund managers with similar strategies charge less than 1% in fees, making Fisher Investments' fees seem relatively high. However, many of their clients are happy to pay the fees, which suggests that the service they provide is valuable to them.

Is Fisher Investments Worth the Fee?

Drone view of people on wooden pier with rods catching fish in shallow water of river
Credit: pexels.com, Drone view of people on wooden pier with rods catching fish in shallow water of river

Fisher Investments is a well-established investment management firm with a long history of serving individual and institutional clients. They have a dedicated team of investment professionals with expertise in various asset classes.

Their investment approach is based on a proprietary investment strategy called the "Fisher Framework", which emphasizes the importance of asset allocation and diversification. This approach has been refined over the years through extensive research and analysis.

Fisher Investments charges a management fee that can range from 0.25% to 1.5% of the client's assets under management, depending on the investment portfolio. This fee is deducted quarterly from the client's account.

Their management fee is higher than some other investment management firms, but it's lower than many others. This fee structure can be a significant consideration for potential clients.

Fisher Investments also offers a "Fisher Investment Account" which allows clients to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities. This account requires a minimum investment of $10,000.

Their investment portfolios are designed to be low-cost and tax-efficient, which can help clients save money in the long run. By reducing costs and minimizing taxes, clients can keep more of their investment returns.

Customer Feedback

Man in Gray Sweater and Black Shorts Fishing on River
Credit: pexels.com, Man in Gray Sweater and Black Shorts Fishing on River

Customer feedback is a crucial aspect of understanding the fees associated with Fisher Investments. Many clients have expressed frustration with the firm's lack of transparency regarding their fees.

Fisher Investments charges a range of fees, including management fees, administrative fees, and other expenses. These fees can add up quickly, eating into your investment returns.

According to Fisher Investments' own documentation, management fees can range from 0.75% to 1.5% of your account balance. This means that if you have a $100,000 investment, you could be paying $750 to $1,500 per year in management fees.

Some clients have reported feeling blindsided by these fees, which can be a significant surprise when they receive their statements. Fisher Investments does provide a fee schedule, but it can be difficult to decipher.

Fisher Investments' fees are not necessarily the lowest in the industry, but they are competitive with other investment management firms. However, some clients may still find the fees to be a barrier to entry or a reason to explore other options.

Ultimately, it's essential to carefully review Fisher Investments' fee structure before investing with the firm. This will help you understand what you're paying for and whether it aligns with your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the downside of Fisher Investments?

Fisher Investments has several downsides, including no brokerage platform and high investment management fees. Additionally, it requires a $500,000 minimum portfolio and has a basic website with limited research tools.

What is the average return with Fisher Investments?

According to available data, the average investor returns are significantly lower than those of a 60/40 portfolio or the S&P 500, with average returns of 2.5% per year. Compare this to the potentially higher returns offered by a financial advisor who is fee-only and knowledgeable about tax planning.

What is a reasonable management fee for an investment account?

A reasonable management fee for an investment account typically falls between 0.01% and 1.5%, depending on the investment strategy and level of service. Lower fees often indicate a more cost-effective investment option, but may also impact the level of personalized advice and support.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.