BlackRock vs. Edward Jones: what’s the difference?

Summary 

Edward Jones vs. BlackRock: what’s the difference?   

Edward Jones and BlackRock are significant players in the financial services industry but serve different roles. Edward Jones is a financial advisory firm focusing on personalized financial services for individual investors and small businesses. This Fortune 500 firm offers tailored advice through its financial advisors, who guide clients on investments and retirement planning. Edward Jones fees can include commissions and service charges, reflecting their hands-on advisory approach. 

On the other hand, BlackRock is a global investment management firm known for its asset management services, targeting large institutions, sophisticated investors, and wealth managers. It offers products like mutual funds and ETFs, with fees varying depending on the investment product. 

What are BlackRock and Edward Jones’ specific investment strategies?  

BlackRock and Edward Jones have distinctive investment strategies. BlackRock financial advisors focus on diversified, large-scale investments, utilizing advanced technology and data analysis to manage risks and optimize returns at a global scale. Their strategies include indexing, active management, and alternative investments, aiming for broad market exposure and efficacy. 

Edward Jones, however, emphasizes personalized investment plans tailored to individual clients' and small businesses' financial goals and risk tolerance. Edward Jones’ financial advisors create diversified portfolios, often including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, with a long-term, relationship-driven approach. 

What fees can I expect from BlackRock and Edward Jones?  

Investors with BlackRock can expect fees tied to the firm's specific investment products, such as expense ratios for mutual funds and ETFs, which cover management and operational costs. Blackrock fees may also include trading fees and commissions, depending on the brokerage. 

Edward Jones's fees are based on the advisory services provided. These can include commissions on trades, asset-based fees for managed accounts, and service charges for account maintenance. They may also impose inactivity fees and other non-trading fees. Here's a glance at the three account types and associated costs at Edward Jones: 

Select Account 

Guided Solutions 

Advisory Solutions 

Regardless of the firm, investors should anticipate various fees, including trading, commissions, and other account-related charges.

Is BlackRock or Edward Jones better? 

BlackRock and Edward Jones each have strengths based on investor needs. BlackRock is a global asset manager specializing in broad, diversified investments catering to institutional clients and experienced investors. Edward Jones focuses on personalized financial advisory services for individuals and small businesses, emphasizing long-term relationships and tailored investment strategies. 

Below is a list of the pros and cons of each firm: 

Pros of BlackRock 

Cons of BlackRock 

Pros of Edward Jones 

Cons of Edward Jones 

Edward Jones or BlackRock: which should I choose? 

Choosing between Edward Jones financial services and BlackRock depends on your needs. Opt for BlackRock if you seek broad, tech-driven investments and institutional-level services. Alternatively, choose Edward Jones financial advisors if you seek personalized financial advice and long-term, client-focused strategies. 

However, as well as comparing fees, investment strategy, and various pros and cons, here are some other questions you should ask yourself when choosing between Edward Jones and BlackRock: 

How do Edward Jones and BlackRock remain competitive and adapt to changing market conditions? 

Edward Jones stays competitive by offering personalized advice and building strong client relationships. This appeals to more traditional or novice investors who prefer the soft skills of a human agent. BlackRock stays competitive by leveraging advanced technology and data analytics for innovative, large-scale investment solutions. 

Which platform provides better customer service and support? 

Edward Jones typically provides better customer service given its personalized, investor-driven approach, which focuses on strong client relationships and tailored support. While efficient and technologically advanced, BlackRock is more geared toward institutional clients and places less emphasis on individual customer support. 

Can I access my Edward Jones or BlackRock accounts through their websites and mobile apps? 

Edward Jones and BlackRock offer online account access through their websites and mobile apps. Edward Jones provides a user-friendly platform for personalized advisor interactions, while BlackRock offers many robust tools for managing diverse investment products. 

Get expert financial advice  

BlackRock and Edward Jones differ in their investment strategies, target audiences, fee structures, and customer service. BlackRock excels in global, tech-driven investments for institutions and high-level investors, while Edward Jones financial services offers personalized advisory services for individuals. Both firms provide online account access for clients to monitor and manage remotely. 

Remember, you can find a professional SEC-regulated financial advisor via Unbiased to guide your investment decisions.