Edward Jones vs Fisher Investments: what’s the difference?

1 min read by Rachel Carey Last updated October 4, 2024

Discover more about Fisher Investments vs. Edward Jones by scrolling further down. Or, if you’d like to speak to a financial advisor, answer a few simple questions below, and we can match you to an expert advisor best suited to meet your needs.

Summary 

  • Edward Jones is an accessible, commission-based financial advisory service. 

  • Fisher Investments' client base is made up of about 150,000 high-net-worth clients. 

  • Edward Jones and Fisher Investments have a different customer base and offerings.  

  • Unbiased can match you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor that suits your needs. 

Fisher Investments vs Edward Jones: what's the difference? 

Fisher InvestmentsEdward Jones
Pros Personalized management Local advisors
Global diversification Broad clientele
Cons High fees Commission costs
Excludes lower-net-worth Conservative approach
Strategy Dynamic allocation Buy-and-hold
Fees AUM-based fees Commission-based
Service High-net-worth focus Personalized advice
Technology Limited online tools Comprehensive app
Adaptability Market-driven adjustments Advisor-driven flexibility

Fisher Investments and Edward Jones differ primarily in their approach to financial services and their clientele.  

Fisher Investment's customer service caters to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. It offers personalized portfolio management and emphasizes a globally diversified strategy. 

On the other hand, Edward Jones targets a broader market. Its focus is personalized advice for individual investors through a network of local advisors.  

Additionally, while Fisher Investments works on a fee-based model, Edward Jones often charges commissions. 

What are Edward Jones and Fisher Investments' specific investment strategies? 

When comparing Edward Jones and Fisher Investments, the two differ in the investment strategies they adopt. 

Edward Jones' strategy is typically more conservative, emphasizing long-term growth and income generation through a diversified portfolio of bonds, stocks, and mutual funds. They often prioritize a buy-and-hold approach tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance. 

In contrast, Fisher Investments’ strategy focuses on global diversification and dynamic asset allocation. They employ a proactive investment approach, adjusting portfolios based on market conditions and economic trends to capitalize on opportunities.   

Fisher Investments’ strategy often involves tactical shifts in asset allocation to enhance returns and mitigate risks over time.

What types of fees can I expect from Fisher and Edward Jones? 

When comparing financial advisor fees, Fisher Investments' fees are substantially higher than those of many financial advisory or wealth management services.  

They charge a fee as a percentage of assets under management (AUM), with smaller portfolios paying higher fee percentages.  

In contrast, Edward Jones often operates on a commission-based model for certain transactions, such as buying or selling bonds, stocks, or mutual funds.  

Some transactions may also be subject to third-party fees. 

What are the fee structures for Fisher vs Edward Jones? 

As mentioned, Fisher Investments typically charges a fee, which is a percentage of AUM.  

The fees in their tiered structure start at 1.25% annually for the first $1 million. Up to $4 million, the rate is 1.25%, and above $5 million, the fee is 1%.  

However, they typically don't charge trading commissions or transaction fees. 

Each product or service at Edward Jones has a different fee structure based on the level of the advisory service chosen.  

For example, the Edward Jones Select Account offers you more autonomy but charges transaction commissions.  

However, the Edward Jones Advisory Solutions option charges an annual program fee of 1.35% plus additional commissions on certain transactions.   

Is Fisher Investments or Edward Jones better? 

As with any financial advisor comparison, deciding whether Fisher Investments or Edward Jones is better is subjective and depends on individual preferences, goals, and financial situation.  

Fisher Investments' strategy suits high-net-worth clients who seek global diversification and proactive portfolio management. 

Meanwhile, Edward Jones offers more personalized advice through local advisors, making them suitable for a broader audience.  

When comparing financial advisor fees, Fisher may be more appealing because of its fee-based structure and dynamic strategies. Still, Edward Jones' commission model might be preferable to some. 

What are the pros and cons of Fisher Investments and Edward Jones? 

Each firm has pros and cons, so understanding both is crucial before deciding which is the best fit for your financial needs and objectives.  

The pros and cons of  Edward Jones vs Fisher Investments are as follows: 

Fisher Investments 

Pros: Fisher Investments offers personalized portfolio management for high-net-worth clients, emphasizing global diversification and dynamic asset allocation. Their approach aims to maximize returns while mitigating risks, and their fee-based model aligns with many clients' interests. 

Cons: Fisher's services are comparatively expensive due to its asset-based fee structure, and its focus on high-net-worth individuals excludes many investors. 

Edward Jones 

Pros: Edward Jones provides personalized financial service through a network of local advisors and other financial specialists, catering to a broad clientele. Their commission-based model may be advantageous for those who prefer transaction-based fees. Additionally, Edward Jones offers a range of investment options and services, including retirement planning and insurance. 

Cons: Commission fees can add up, making services costly for frequent traders. Some investors may also find Edward Jones' investment approach too conservative. 

Fisher or Edward Jones: which should I choose? 

Choosing between Fisher Investments and Edward Jones will depend on your financial needs and preferences.  

For instance, if global diversification and proactive portfolio management are vital to you, Fisher may be preferable, especially if you have substantial assets. 

However, suppose you value personalized advice and prefer a local advisor. In that case,  Edward Jones' investment strategy might suit you better, especially if you seek a broad range of services.  

An expert financial advisor can help you navigate unique circumstances and your goals, and Unbiased can ensure you find the right expert for the job. 

Can I access my Fisher Investments or Edward Jones accounts online or through mobile apps? 

Fisher Investments and Edward Jones offer online access to accounts through their respective websites.  

However, Fisher Investments's online management tools are limited since they primarily cater to high-net-worth clients and focus on personalized portfolio management. 

In contrast, Edward Jones offers clients online access and an app to manage their investment accounts, access research materials, and perform transactions conveniently. 

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

Fisher Investments and Edward Jones remain competitive by staying agile and adapting to market shifts.  

Fisher Investments employs a dynamic asset allocation strategy, adjusting portfolios based on economic trends to capitalize on opportunities. 

Meanwhile, Edward Jones’ strategy utilizes a network of local advisors who provide personalized advice tailored to changing market conditions. 

Both firms continuously monitor market trends, research, and update their investment approaches to meet client needs and remain competitive in an ever-morphing financial climate. 

Which has better customer service: Fisher Investments or Edward Jones? 

Edward Jones’ customer service is often praised for its personalized approach, which is delivered through local advisors offering in-person consultations and ongoing support.  

Their clients value the accessibility and relationship-building aspect of their service, both online and in-person. 

Fisher Investments also provides dedicated service, but they have a much smaller and elite clientele base (around 150,000 high-net-worth individuals). 

While both firms prioritize customer satisfaction, Edward Jones' local advisor model may provide a more hands-on and accessible customer service experience for a broader range of clients. 

Get financial expert advice 

When comparing Fisher Investments and Edward Jones, it’s obvious that their investment strategies, fee structures, and customer service differ.  

While Fisher offers dynamic portfolio management for high-end clients, Edward Jones focuses on personalized advice through local advisors.  

Choosing between them depends on individual preferences and financial goals.  

For expert financial advice tailored to your needs, let Unbiased match you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor who can ensure you maximize your investment opportunities and reach your goals.   

Senior Content Writer

Rachel Carey

Rachel is a Senior Content Writer at Unbiased. She has nearly a decade of experience writing and producing content across a range of different sectors.