Poll reveals how advisors can help anxious investors

If your client is struggling with investment anxiety, you can help.

Read: Investors want more from advisors: survey

A BCSC investor poll says more than a third of respondents (39%) don’t read their investment statements because doing so causes them anxiety. Further, 36% say they feel overwhelmed when trying to make investment decisions.

But, in the poll, investors suggest their anxiety could be reduced through education.

One out of every five respondents (21%) said a better understanding of basic investment principles would help lift their anxiety. They added a better understanding of investment jargon (16%) and of the products they hold (22%) would alleviate worry.

To help educate investors, the BCSC this week is launching the second phase of its public awareness campaign on investment fees.

“We know from previous research that many B.C. investors still don’t know they pay fees, let alone how much they pay,” says Pamela McDonald, director of communications and education at the BCSC, in a release. “We don’t want anxiety to prevent investors from having important conversations with their investment advisors about fees and how they impact investments.”

About the survey: The investment anxiety survey in B.C. was part of an omnibus survey conducted by Innovative Research Group Inc. between January 11 and 16, 2018.

Also read:

Dealers still doing inadequate KYC, finds IIROC

MFDA to advisors: We’re watching your recommendations

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.