Research

Q1 2023 Trader Client Sentiment Report, March 2023

As 2023 begins, sentiment is on an upswing among traders of every stripe, although it remains net-bearish. Traders are split on whether now is a good time to invest in equities but confidence in their decision-making and their ability to achieve their financial goals remains high.

Media Contact: Margaret Farrell

2022 RIA Compensation Report, December 2022

Schwab’s RIA Compensation Report reflects responses from Schwab’s 2022 RIA Benchmarking Study, the largest study of its kind, and offers a comprehensive look at compensation practices in the independent RIA industry. 971 firms participated in the compensation portion of the 2022 study, representing 80% of those who participated overall. Data was collected from January to March 2022 on over 13,500 employees across 27 roles typically found at RIAs.

Media Contact: Kristin Meza

Q4 2022 Retail Client Sentiment Report, November 2022

Schwab released its Q4 Retail Client Sentiment Report, fielded in October 2022, which shows that the majority of Schwab retail clients remain bearish on the U.S. stock market amid concerns about rising inflation and the potential of a recession. In fact, more than 90 percent of retail clients believe a recession is likely, with most predicting it will officially happen in the first half of 2023 or sooner. Still, clients remain engaged—they’re doing more research and taking advantage of investor education resources, and nearly 90 percent remain confident in reaching their financial goals. The report is based on a survey of more than 800 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

Q4 2022 Trader Client Sentiment Report, November 2022

The latest Charles Schwab Trader Client Sentiment Survey reveals that nearly 60% of traders say it feels like the U.S. is in an economic recession or will be by the end of 2022. Most (55%) say it will last less than one year, but 45% say it will last longer than that. While traders have a predominantly bearish outlook for the U.S. stock market over the next few months, they are confident in their ability to navigate the environment and 91% of traders feel they will reach their financial goals. Still, more than four in 10 traders (42%) are taking on less risk in the current environment.

Media Contact: Margaret Farrell

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2022 401(k) Participant Survey Part II, October 2022

Young workers are relying on more than their 401(k)s to save for retirement as other types of investments play a greater role in their long-term wealth plans, according to the annual nationwide survey of 401(k) plan participants from Schwab Retirement Plan Services. While the 401(k) remains the top retirement savings vehicle for today’s workers overall, Gen Z and Millennial workers are more likely to also invest in cryptocurrency, real estate, annuities, and small businesses, unlike older generations.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

2022 Schwab Asset Management ETF Survey, September 2022

Schwab Asset Management, which has studied the attitudes and activity of ETF investors for more than a decade, found that ETF investors continue to view ETFs as a key part of their portfolios, with 80% saying ETFs are their vehicle of choice. ETFs now make up 33% of ETF investor portfolios. ETF investors have continued investing in ETFs despite this year’s turbulent markets and foresee the product making up a larger share of their portfolios in the future. At the same time, they are also interested in exploring investing options that allow them to personalize their portfolios. 2,000 individual investors participated in this year’s survey, 1,000 of whom have bought or sold ETFs in the past two years and 1,000 of whom have not bought or sold ETFs within the past two years.

Media Contact: Christine Hudacko

Q3 2022 Retail Client Sentiment Report, August 2022

Schwab released its Q3 Retail Client Sentiment Report, fielded at the beginning of July 2022, which shows that the majority of Schwab retail clients were bearish on the U.S. stock market. At the same time, 51% of retail investors believed it was a good time to invest, an increase of 10% from Q2 2022. Despite bearish sentiment, almost 60% of Schwab retail clients reported that they were holding steady with their current asset allocation, and only 7% of respondents said they would take money out of their investment portfolios in the next three months. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,300 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Q3 2022 Trader Client Sentiment Report, August 2022

The latest Charles Schwab Trader Client Sentiment Survey reveals that nine in 10 traders see a U.S. economic recession as somewhat to highly likely and 74% anticipate it will begin this year. The potential of a recession is now the primary concern for 18% of traders, up 6% from the previous quarter. However, a strong majority (69%) expect that a recession would last a year or less and only one in five are moving money out of the stock market to hedge against a continued down market or recession. Many traders also plan to add money to their portfolios at the same rate as last quarter (40%) and most say they are taking the same or slightly less risk in Q3 (59%).

Media Contact: Margaret Farrell

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2022 401(k) Participant Survey, July 2022

Inflation is now the top obstacle to saving for a comfortable retirement, according to a new survey from Schwab Retirement Plan Services. The annual nationwide survey of 401(k) plan participants finds that workers rank inflation (45%) ahead of other obstacles including keeping up with monthly expenses (35%), stock market volatility (33%), and unexpected expenses (33%). Workers believe they’ll need to save an average of $1.7 million for retirement, down from $1.9 million reported in last year’s survey, and just under half (47%) feel they are very likely to reach their retirement savings goal.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

2022 RIA Benchmarking Study, July 2022

Now in its sixteenth year, the RIA Benchmarking Study by Schwab Advisor Services is the leading study of its kind in the RIA industry. Talent continues to be top of mind for independent advisory firms and it will continue to be one of the most prominent issues for the industry going forward. This year’s study highlights growth and business performance and how talent will be a top strategic priority to continue momentum for RIA firms. More than 1,200 independent advisor firms representing over $1.8 trillion in AUM participated in this year’s study.

Media Contact: Kristin Meza

Q2 2022 Retail Client Sentiment Report, May 2022

Schwab released its Q2 2022 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that more than half (57%) of respondents have a bearish outlook on the U.S. stock market for the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 29% from the same time last year. Just over a quarter (26%) are bullish about the second quarter, down 28% from the same time last year. However, more than half (55%) of Schwab’s retail clients report that they don’t plan to change the level of risk they are taking in their investment portfolios in Q2, and only nine percent of respondents say they will take money out of their investment portfolios in the coming months. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Modern Wealth Survey, May 2022

Almost three-quarters of Americans (73%) say their personal values guide how they make life decisions more today than they did two years ago, and nearly an equal number (69%) say that supporting causes they care most about are a top consideration when it comes to their financial decisions, according to Schwab’s sixth annual Modern Wealth Survey, an examination of how Americans think about saving, spending, investing and wealth.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

FACT SHEETS:
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Q2 2022 Trader Client Sentiment Report, May 2022

The latest Charles Schwab Trader Sentiment Survey reveals that more than half (53%) of traders say the market is due for a significant correction in the second quarter of 2022, and fewer than a third (30%) think the market will perform well. Six in 10 (61%) traders remain confident in their investment decision-making, although less than half (43%) feel it’s a good time to invest in equities. Chief among traders’ concerns are inflation and the geopolitical landscape, and they’re taking specific actions to hedge against both. While most traders (68%) expect sooner relief, nearly one third (32%) of traders don’t expect inflation to ease until 2024 at the earliest.

Media Contact: Margaret Farrell

Retirement Reimagined Study, April 2022

Millennials have an evolving vision of retirement, different from previous generations, according to Schwab’s new Retirement Reimagined Study that uses advanced predictive modeling techniques to forecast key differences in how Millennials, Gen X and Boomers will approach saving for and living in retirement. The first of its kind study also projects four distinct retirement personas that Millennials could fall into as many of them transition to retirement around 2050.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

Ariel-Schwab 2022 Black Investor Survey, April 2022

The results of the 2022 Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey reveal investor participation is at historic lows for both Black and white Americans. For 24 years, Ariel Investments and Charles Schwab have studied the investing and saving attitudes and behaviors of Black and white Americans.

Media Contact: Stephanie Corns

Q1 2022 Retail Client Sentiment Report, February 2022

Schwab released its Q1 2022 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that investors are divided on stock market sentiment, although the majority feel better off financially compared to a year ago and most remain confident that they will reach their overall financial goals. Clients are most bullish on the healthcare sector, followed by energy and information technology. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Q1 2022 Trader Client Sentiment Report, February 2022

The latest Charles Schwab Trader Sentiment Survey reveals that bulls outnumber bears among active traders, with 46% reporting a bullish outlook for the U.S. stock market for the first three months of the year compared with 39% who are bearish. But nearly nine out of ten (88%) traders are concerned about inflation and many are taking action to hedge against it. At the sector level, traders are most bullish on Energy (63%), Finance (57%), and Health Care (54%) and most bearish on Information Technology (38%), Real Estate (37%), and Consumer Discretionary (31%).

Media Contact: Margaret Farrell

2021 RIA Compensation Report, February 2022

Schwab Advisor Services’ RIA Compensation Report reflects responses from the annual RIA Benchmarking Study and offers a comprehensive look at compensation practices in the independent financial advice industry. A total of 1,036 firms participated in the compensation portion in 2021, representing over three-quarters of those who participated in the overall study (1,340 firms).

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Independent Advisor Outlook Study, January 2022

Schwab Advisor Services’ current Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS) provides a snapshot on growth for firms, clients and managing talent.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Q4 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, November 2021

Schwab released its Q4 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that bears are outrunning the bulls for the first time in a year, and retail investor clients are increasingly cautious about investing. But there is overall economic optimism and clients are beginning to return to normal living and spending behaviors after the last year and a half. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,500 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

RIA Industry M&A: Behind the Numbers, October 2021

Almost $160 billion in total AUM has been acquired in the first six months of this year, an increase of 19% over 2020 and 23% over 2019. The transaction data alone only tells part of the story, however. Behind the numbers, M&A is a very human endeavor. This report features perspectives from buyers and sellers in five recent transactions for a closer look at what is happening beyond the data.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

2021 Assets in Motion Report, October 2021

This new study from Charles Schwab analyzes the movement to independence as well as RIA industry mergers and acquisitions.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Digital Investing & Technology Survey, September 2021

COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of technology across many aspects of life, from virtual birthday parties to appointments with financial advisors by video chat, according to a new study by Charles Schwab. Schwab’s Investing and Technology Survey 2021 uncovers how the pandemic has fundamentally shifted the way investors manage their money and other financial activities.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

2021 401(k) Participant Survey Part II – Meet the Gen Z 401(k) Participant, September 2021

Stress about finances has had an outsized impact on the ability of Gen Z and Millennials to do their jobs during the pandemic, according to the annual nationwide survey of 401(k) plan participants from Schwab Retirement Plan Services. Almost half of Gen Z workers (44%) and 38% of Millennials reported that financial stress impacted their ability to do their jobs this past year, compared to 24% of all workers.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

Q3 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, August 2021

Schwab released its Q3 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that bullish market sentiment is beginning to soften, particularly among retired investors, but remains near last quarter’s all-tie high. Worries about a looming correction and volatility are top concerns among investors. The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

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VIEW INSIGHTS FOR FIRMS UP TO $100M IN ASSETS
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2021 RIA Benchmarking Study, July 2021

The RIA Benchmarking Study by Schwab Advisor Services is the leading study of its kind in the RIA industry. The study features insights based on self-reported information on topics such as asset and revenue growth, sources of new clients, products and pricing, staffing, compensation, marketing, technology, and financial performance. Now in its fifteenth year, more than 1,300 independent advisor firms representing over $1.5 trillion in AUM participated in this year’s study.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

2021 401(k) Participant Survey, June 2021

Workers’ confidence about achieving retirement goals has risen sharply since last year according to a new survey from Schwab Retirement Plan Services, and so has their appetite for financial advice. The annual nationwide survey of 401(k) plan participants finds that more than half (53%) say they are very likely to achieve their retirement goals, compared to 37% in 2020. On average, plan participants in 2021 believe they need to save $1.9 million for retirement, the same amount as in 2020. Ninety-one percent say their financial health is very good or pretty good.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

Independent Advisor Outlook Study, June 2021

Schwab Advisor Services’ current Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS) provides a snapshot on the outlook for industry and firm growth, a look into the new realities for firms post-COVID, and insight into how advisors view innovation.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Q2 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, May 2021

Schwab released its Q2 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that client outlook on the U.S. stock market continues to be bullish. Market and economic worries overtake COVID-19 and the political climate as biggest investor concerns. The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

Modern Wealth Survey, May 2021

As vaccination rates rise and restrictions ease across the country, a majority of Americans feel optimistic about the state of the United States overall, including the economy, the stock market and their personal financial prospects, according to Schwab’s 2021 Modern Wealth Survey, an annual examination of how 1,000 Americans think about saving, spending, investing and wealth.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

FACTSHEETS:
View the Boston factsheet
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View the Denver factsheet
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View the Los Angeles/Orange County factsheet
View the New York City factsheet
View the Phoenix factsheet
View the San Francisco Bay Area factsheet
View the Seattle factsheet
View the Southwest Florida factsheet
View the Washington, D.C. factsheet

Generation Investor Study, April 2021

Amidst a global pandemic, economic uncertainties and market volatility, a new generation of investors was born: 15 percent of all current U.S. stock market investors say they first began investing in 2020, according to a new Schwab survey. And they’re not all young and focused on the next hot stock. Looking ahead, these new investors are more bullish about their financial prospects and the market than those who began investing before 2020, and they’re ready to invest and plan for their futures.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

2020 ETF Investor Study, March 2021

ETF investors surveyed see the share of ETFs in their portfolios growing to 38% over the next five years, up from 29% today. Nearly all ETF investors (94%) say they are likely to purchase ETFs in the next two years. Notably, nearly half of the non-ETF investors surveyed (45%) say they are likely to purchase ETFs in the next two years.

Media Contact: Erin Montgomery

2020 RIA Compensation Report, February 2021

Schwab Advisor Services’ RIA Compensation Report reflects responses from the annual RIA Benchmarking Study and offers a comprehensive look at compensation practices in the independent financial advice industry. A total of 761 firms participated in the compensation portion in 2020, representing three-quarters of those who participated in the overall study (1,010 firms).

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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VIEW GENDER-RACE SURVEY FINDINGS
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Ariel-Schwab 2020 Black Investor Survey, February 2021

The results of the 2020 Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey reveal that Black Americans are not benefitting from stock market growth at the same rate as white Americans at similar income levels. For more than 20 years, the Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey has compared attitudes and behaviors on saving and investing among Black and white Americans.

Media Contact: Stephanie Corns

Schwab RIA Industry Transactions Research for Second Half of 2020, February 2021

M&A volumes bounced back in the second half of 2020, and equity valuations continued to rise. Despite the pandemic and market volatility, 2020 saw the largest average M&A deal size on record.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Q1 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, February 2021

Schwab released its Q1 2021 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that client outlook on the U.S. stock market is bullish. Top concerns around investing include COVID-19 and the political landscape. The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

2020 Robo Investor Snapshot, November 2020

Schwab released its 2020 Robo Investor Snapshot which reveals Schwab robo client trends around planning, volatility, and portfolio actions.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

Q4 2020 Retail Client Sentiment Report, November 2020

Schwab released its Q4 2020 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that client outlook on the U.S. stock market remains bearish. Top concerns around investing include the 2020 election and COVID-19. The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

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Independent Advisor Outlook Study, Part II, October 2020

In 2020, independent advisors have experienced challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. But they remain confident in the success of their firms, and in the industry’s continued long-term growth. Find out more in the results from the latest Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS).

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Schwab RIA Industry Transactions Research for First Half of 2020, October 2020

Deal volumes dropped sharply in March, April, and May, but started to rebound in June.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

2020 Equity Compensation Survey, October 2020

New research from Schwab Stock Plan Services shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on equity compensation plan participants’ decisions. The survey finds that of those who recently exercised or sold equity compensation, two-thirds (67%) were influenced by the market volatility and economic downturn related to the pandemic. The survey also finds that almost two in five (39%) survey respondents say that they are more likely to need financial advice due to the pandemic.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

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VIEW SURVEY FINDINGS

Independent Advisor Outlook Study, October 2020

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of the 28th Wave of its Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS), which reflects responses from 942 registered investment advisors (RIAs) whose assets are custodied with Schwab.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

2020 Modern Retirement Survey, October 2020

Amidst a global pandemic, economic uncertainties and an election looming, Boomers invested for retirement are confident that they will still enjoy their golden years. According to the Charles Schwab 2020 Modern Retirement Survey, more than 80 percent of both those who have retired and those who are soon-to-retire are satisfied or confident their lifestyle will be everything that they envision.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

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READ THE PRESS RELEASE – VETERAN RESPONDENTS
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2020 401(k) Participant Survey Part II – Retirement Saving and Spending, September 2020

The area where 401(k) participants say they could most use help is understanding how much they’ll need to save for retirement, according to a nationwide survey of 1,000 401(k) plan participants from Schwab Retirement Plan Services. Over two thirds (68%) of participants gave an estimate of how long their retirement savings will last, with the average being 24 years. The remaining 32% say they do not know how many years their retirement savings might last, and the level of uncertainty is higher among women (40%) than men (25%).

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

Q3 2020 Retail Client Sentiment Report, September 2020

Schwab released its Q3 2020 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which shows that client outlook on the U.S. stock market is increasingly bearish. COVID-19 and the 2020 election are the leading client concerns about investing. The report is based on a survey of nearly 800 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

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2020 401(k) Participant Survey, August 2020

Anxiety about long-term retirement savings is up according to a new survey from Schwab Retirement Plan Services, and so is participant engagement. The nationwide survey of 1,000 currently employed 401(k) plan participants finds that saving enough for a comfortable retirement continues to be their leading source of significant financial stress. On average, these 401(k) participants believe they need to save $1.9 million for retirement, an increase of 12% from the $1.7 million reported in 2019. Two in five participants also say they made a change to their 401(k) account due to COVID-19, citing rebalancing and increasing contribution rates as the most common changes.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

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VIEW THE DECK (FIRMS WITH UP TO $100M AUM)
VIEW THE DECK (FIRMS WITH $1B OR MORE IN AUM)
VIEW THE INTERACTIVE DATA VISUALIZATION

2020 RIA Benchmarking Study, July 2020

The RIA Benchmarking Study by Schwab Advisor Services is the leading study of its kind in the RIA industry. The study features insights based on self-reported information on topics such as asset and revenue growth, sources of new clients, products and pricing, staffing, compensation, marketing, technology, and financial performance. Now in its fourteenth year, more than 1,000 independent advisor firms representing over a trillion dollars in AUM participated in this year’s study.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Modern Wealth Survey, July 2020

According to Charles Schwab’s 2020 Modern Wealth Survey, an annual examination of perspectives on saving, spending, investing and wealth, 57 percent of Americans say that they or a close family member have been financially impacted by COVID-19, but at the same time, there are some silver linings when it comes to people’s financial behaviors. Thirty-six percent of Americans say they are more likely to have savings to cover emergency expenses, and 40 percent say they are more likely to be saving more in general compared to before the pandemic outbreak in the U.S.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

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Schwab RIA Industry Transactions Research for Year-End 2019, March 2020

The RIA Industry saw record-setting M&A volume, with 106 deals completed in 2019.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Schwab RIA Compensation Report, February 2020

Schwab Advisor Services’ RIA Compensation Report reflects responses from the annual RIA Benchmarking Study and offers a comprehensive look at compensation practices in the independent financial advice industry. A total of 984 firms participated in the compensation portion, representing three-quarters of those who participated in the overall study (1,310 firms).

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Equity Compensation Plan Participant Survey, November 2019

According to new research from Schwab Stock Plan Services, the average vested value of U.S. workers’ equity compensation is $97,711 and the average total value of their equity compensation is $149,835. The study, which examines the attitudes and behaviors of 1,000 equity compensation plan participants who currently receive incentive stock options or restricted stock awards and/or participate in employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), finds that 41% of respondents have exercised or sold at least some of their equity compensation during their career.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

Owning the Future of Independent Advice, November 2019

Schwab Advisor Services interviewed 11 of the Executive Leadership Program’s distinguished alumni to discuss challenges and opportunities in the RIA industry and to understand how they are leading their firms to continued success.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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VIEW THE DECK (FIRMS WITH UNDER $100M AUM)
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Independent Advisor Outlook Study, November 2019

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of the 27th Wave of its Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS), which reflects responses from 942 registered investment advisors (RIAs) whose assets are custodied with Schwab.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

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Schwab RIA Industry Transactions Research for First Half of 2019, September 2019

Transaction volume rebounded in the first half of 2019, as smaller deals by RIA buyers led the way.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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Q2 2019 Retail Client Sentiment Report, July 2019

Schwab released its Q2 2019 Retail Client Sentiment Report, which reflects that client outlook for the U.S. stock market remains slightly bearish. The U.S. political landscape is overwhelmingly the leading concern about investing among clients. The report is based on a survey of about 1,000 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

VIEW SURVEY FINDINGS

2019 RIA Benchmarking Study, July 2019

The 2019 RIA Benchmarking Study by Charles Schwab is the leading study of its kind in the RIA industry. The study features insights based on self-reported information on topics such as asset and revenue growth, sources of new clients, products and pricing, staffing, compensation, marketing, technology, and financial performance. Now in its thirteenth year, 1,310 independent advisor firms representing over a trillion dollars in AUM participated in this year’s study.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Independent Advisor Outlook Study, June 2019

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of the 26th Wave of its Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS), which reflects responses from 924 registered investment advisors (RIAs) whose assets are custodied with Schwab.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

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2019 401(k) Participant Survey, June 2019

New research from Schwab Retirement Plan Services finds that although 401(k) participants believe they need $1.7 million, on average, to retire, many are not investing enough to reach that goal. The nationwide survey of 1,000 401(k) plan participants also reveals the outsized role of the 401(k) in Americans’ financial lives, with most saying it is their only or largest source of retirement savings.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

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Modern Wealth Survey, May 2019

More than a third of Americans admit their spending habits have been influenced by images and experiences shared by their friends on social media and confess they spend more than they can afford to avoid missing out on the fun, according to Schwab’s 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, an annual examination of how 1,000 Americans think about saving, spending, investing and wealth.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

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2019 ETF Investor Study by Charles Schwab, May 2019

The majority of ETF investors (61%) expect market volatility to increase in the next six months, and close to half (44%) say they will put more money into ETFs as a result, according to the ninth annual ETF Investor Study by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a survey of 1,500 investors who have bought or sold an ETF within the past two years..

Media Contact: Erin Montgomery

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Independent Advisor Pulse, February 2019

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of its Independent Advisor Pulse survey (or IAOS Wave 25), which reflects responses from 778 registered investment advisors (RIAs) whose assets are custodied with Schwab.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

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Q4 2018 Retail Investor Sentiment Report, January 2019

Schwab released its Q4 2018 Retail Investor Sentiment Report, which reflects that client outlook for the U.S. stock market is shifting, with 52% feeling bearish compared to 41% a year ago. The report is based on a survey of about 860 Schwab retail clients.

Media Contact: Hibah Shariff

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Schwab RIA Compensation Report, January 2019

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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Spectrum of Independence Study, December 2018

Schwab Advisor Services’ Spectrum of Independence Study surveys 152 U.S. financial advisors who have considered becoming independent registered investment advisors. The data provides insights into the considerations and expectations of advisors as they evaluate a move to independence.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

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Equity Compensation Plan Participant Survey, November 2018

A new survey from Schwab Stock Plan Services reveals that equity compensation accounts for a significant portion of participants’ net worth, with many employees’ portfolios overweighted in company stock even though they state they regularly rebalance their investment accounts. According to the nationwide survey of 1,000 equity compensation plan participants who receive stock options or restricted stock awards and/or participate in employee stock purchase plans, equity compensation accounts on average for nearly 30 percent of employees’ net worth.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

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The Rise of Robo Report, November 2018

The Rise of Robo examines peoples’ outlook on robo advice, its potential impact on how they invest, and its impact on the financial services industry overall.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

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At the Core: Advisor Views on Investment Trends, October 2018

This new study of independent advisors by Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. (CSIM) explores advisor attitudes and behaviors when it comes to investing decisions.

Media Contact: Erin Montgomery

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Independent Advisor Outlook Study, Fall, October 2018

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of the 24th Wave of its Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS), which reflects responses from 783 registered investment advisors (RIAs) whose assets are custodied with Schwab.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

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Schwab RIA Industry Transactions Research for First Half of 2018, October 2018

RIA acquirers maintain the lead as top buyers, while the gap closed between strategic acquiring firms and private equity firms.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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Trends in New Advisor Registrations, October 2018

Analysis by Schwab Advisor Services shows that new independent advisor firms that registered with the SEC in 2017 represent $84 billion in assets under management.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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Consumer Digital Demands Survey, October 2018

Charles Schwab’s Consumer Digital Demands is a survey of American consumers and robo advisor users regarding their preferences, sentiment, and experiences interacting with technology and people across a range of life activities and experiences, including investing and financial planning.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

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2018 401(k) Participant Survey, August 2018

New research from Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. reveals that, despite having a positive outlook for retirement, American workers regret past spending and are concerned about being able to ultimately save enough for their golden years. The nationwide survey of 1,000 401(k) plan participants finds that while 70 percent believe their quality of life in retirement will be better than that of both their parents and their children, saving for retirement is still their number one source of financial stress.

Media Contact: Mike Peterson

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2018 Financial Literacy Survey, August 2018

Schwab studied the financial attitudes and behaviors of 2,000 Millennials and Gen Z a decade after the onset of the financial crisis. Today’s young adults are optimistic about their future financial success but demonstrate behaviors that suggest they may be unprepared for the realities of achieving it.

Media Contact: Stephanie Corns

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Wealth Management Monitor - Q1/Q2 2018, August 2018

Schwab released its Q1/Q2 2018 Schwab Wealth Management Monitor report in which 44% of retail investors are feeling bullish, yet the U.S. political climate tops their concerns about investing. The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,000 Schwab clients.

Media Contact: Marianne Ahlmann

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2018 RIA Benchmarking Study, July 2018

The 2018 RIA Benchmarking Study by Charles Schwab is the leading study of its kind in the RIA industry. The study features insights based on self-reported information on topics such as asset and revenue growth, sources of new clients, products and pricing, staffing, compensation, marketing, technology, and financial performance. Now in its twelfth year, more than 1,261 independent advisor firms representing over a trillion dollars in AUM participated in this year’s study.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

Examining the Mindset of U.S. Financial Professionals, June 2018

A new survey from Schwab Independent Branch Services finds that while financial professionals are generally optimistic about their careers, they desire more independence. The survey reflects responses from 994 client-facing financial professionals.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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VIEW THE INDEPENDENT ADVISOR PULSE SNAPSHOT

Independent Advisor Pulse - Summer, June 2018

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of its Independent Advisor Pulse survey (or IAOS Wave 23), which reflects responses from over 600 Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) whose assets are custodied with Schwab.

Media Contact: Rob Farmer

2018 ETF Investor Study by Charles Schwab, June 2018

More than half of Millennials would consider placing their entire investment portfolio (excluding cash) in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the next year, according to the 2018 ETF Investor Study by Charles Schwab. ETFs are the investment vehicle of choice for 91% of Millennial investors. And, more than half (56%) of investors in that generation say they have already replaced all individual securities in their portfolios with ETFs.

Media Contact: Erin Montgomery

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VIEW SLIDES: SURVEY FINDINGS FROM THE 2018 ETF INVESTOR STUDY BY CHARLES SCHWAB

Modern Wealth Index, May 2018

A thousand Americans participated in Schwab’s 2018 Modern Wealth Index, an assessment that scores participants between 1–100 based on how well they manage their money and investments across four factors: 1) goal setting and financial planning, 2) saving and investing, 3) staying on track, and 4) confidence in reaching financial goals. Americans received an average Modern Wealth Index score of 50.

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Independent Advisor Sophomore Study, March 2018

Schwab Advisor Services released the results of a study that looks at the motivations, mindset, and experiences of financial advisors who have recently made the transition to the independent model (“sophomores”). More than 90% of advisors would make the decision again and are happier now that they are independent.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

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View infographic: The Independent Transformation

Schwab RIA Industry Transactions Research for Year-End 2017, March 2018

M&A activity maintained momentum in 2017, with $1 billion+ deals becoming the new normal.

Media Contact: Meredith Richard

VIEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SCHWAB RIA INDUSTRY M&A RESEARCH

Equity Compensation Plan Participant Survey, February 2018

A new survey from Schwab Stock Plan Services reveals that employees who participate in equity compensation plans see the long-term value of the benefit but are afraid of making a mistake when exercising employee stock options or selling shares. According to the nationwide survey of 1,000 equity compensation plan participants who receive incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, and/or participate in employee stock purchase plans, just 24% have exercised employee stock options or sold shares that are part of their equity compensation. Fear of making a mistake is a concern for nearly half (48%).

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VIEW THE SURVEY RESULTS
VIEW INFOGRAPHIC: WHEN IT COMES TO EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS, EMPLOYEES WANT GUIDANCE IN THREE MAIN AREAS
VIEW INFOGRAPHIC: EMPLOYER-PROVIDED FINANCIAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS ARE AN IMPORTANT TOOL FOR EMPLOYEES
VIEW INFOGRAPHIC: WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WOULD HELP EMPLOYEES MAKE EQUITY COMPENSATION DECISIONS MORE CONFIDENTLY
VIEW INFOGRAPHIC: EMPLOYEES GIVE EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS HIGH MARKS ACROSS THE BOARD

Wealth Management Monitor: Q3/Q4 2017, January 2018

Schwab released its Q3/Q4 2017 Schwab Wealth Management Monitor report in which 60% of retail investors say they feel better off financially as compared to a year ago. The report is based on an analysis of retail client data and a survey of around 1,000 Schwab clients.

Media Contact: Mike Cianfrocca