Fidelity Investments is one of the largest financial institutions in the world. The company was founded in 1946 by Edward C. Johnson II and has since grown to become a major player in the investment industry. Fidelity Investments offers a wide range of financial products and services, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), retirement services, and brokerage services. In this article, we will take a closer look at Fidelity Investments and what sets it apart from other investment firms.
History of Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments was founded in 1946 as Fidelity Management & Research Company by Edward C. Johnson II. At the time, the company was primarily focused on managing mutual funds for individual investors. The company grew quickly, and by 1950, it had launched its first mutual fund, the Fidelity Fund. Over the years, Fidelity Investments continued to expand its offerings, adding new mutual funds and other financial products and services.
In the 1980s, Fidelity Investments became one of the first financial institutions to offer 401(k) plans to employees. This move helped to cement the company's reputation as a leader in retirement planning and investment management. Today, Fidelity Investments is one of the largest providers of retirement services in the world, serving millions of investors.
Products and Services Offered by Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments offers a wide range of financial products and services to individual investors, employers, and financial advisors. Some of the company's most popular products and services include:
Mutual Funds - Fidelity Investments offers a wide range of mutual funds for individual investors. The company's funds cover a variety of asset classes and investment styles, including domestic and international stocks, bonds, and alternative investments.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) - Fidelity Investments offers a range of ETFs that provide exposure to various asset classes, including domestic and international stocks, bonds, and commodities.
Retirement Services - Fidelity Investments is a major provider of retirement services, including 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and annuities. The company also offers retirement planning tools and resources to help investors plan for their future.
Brokerage Services - Fidelity Investments offers a range of brokerage services to investors, including stock and bond trading, options trading, and margin accounts. The company's trading platform, Active Trader Pro, provides investors with advanced trading tools and research.
Other Financial Products and Services - Fidelity Investments also offers a range of other financial products and services, including life insurance, college savings plans, and health savings accounts (HSAs).
What Sets Fidelity Investments Apart?
There are several factors that set Fidelity Investments apart from other investment firms. These include:
Size and Scale - Fidelity Investments is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, with over $8 trillion in assets under management. This size and scale provide the company with significant resources and expertise to manage investments effectively.
Investment Research - Fidelity Investments is known for its extensive investment research capabilities. The company employs over 400 investment professionals who conduct research on companies and markets around the world. This research helps to inform the company's investment decisions and helps investors make informed decisions about their portfolios.
Technology - Fidelity Investments has invested heavily in technology over the years, developing advanced trading platforms and research tools for investors. The company's Active Trader Pro platform provides investors with advanced charting and analysis tools, real-time market data, and customizable trading screens.
Customer Service - Fidelity Investments is known for its strong customer service. The company offers a range of resources and tools to help investors make informed decisions about their portfolios. Fidelity also has a network of over 200 investor centers located throughout the United States, where investors can receive personalized support and advice.
