Majority of Canadian Investors Unfamiliar with ETFs

December 5, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – A BMO Investments, Inc. study found only 18% of Canadian investors are familiar with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). 
 

However, 74% of respondents, after being told of the benefits of ETFs, said they would consider adding them to their portfolios.

The study, by Leger Marketing, also revealed the key barriers preventing Canadians from holding ETFs in their portfolios. These include:

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•  Not knowing how to get started/lack of knowledge (34%);

•  Uncertainty on how to integrate ETFs into current investments (23%); and

•  Not having the time or expertise to pick and choose individual ETFs (21%).

Among those surveyed, almost 65% indicated if they could get all the advantages of ETFs in the convenience of a mutual fund that is managed by a financial professional, they would be more likely to add them to their portfolio.

The online survey was conducted from November 21 to November 24, 2011, with a sample of 1,520 Canadians, 18 years of age or older.

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