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Costs & fees: The underestimated factor when investing

Investors tend to focus their investment decisions on risks and returns, often ignoring an important factor: the costs. Yet even low fees can significantly dent investment returns in the long run.

The most important costs in investing

Direct costs

Transaction costs, issuing premiums, and management fees.

Indirect costs

Tax levies, inflation effects, trading spreads on investment solutions.

Cost-effective investment management can make the difference between average and above-average performance.

How to proceed

1

Develop cost consciousness

  • Many fees are not apparent at first glance. Pay attention to the total expense ratio (TER) in investment funds and ETFs.

  • Compare different investment products in terms of costs and potential return.

2

Avoid hidden costs

  • High issuing premiums on actively managed funds can diminish returns.

  • Overly frequent transactions lead to unnecessary trading costs.

  • Tax aspects should be taken into account when making investment decisions.

3

Use cost-effective investment products

  • ETFs are mostly cheaper than actively managed funds.

  • Online brokers tend to charge lower fees than traditional banks.

  • Direct investments in single stocks can be more inexpensive to hold long term than funds.

4

Long-term strategy to optimize costs

  • Buy-and-hold strategy: Avoids unnecessary reallocations and transaction fees.

  • Regular cost control: Reassessment of fee structure of existing investments.

  • Tax-efficient investments: Using tax-advantaged kinds of investment (e.g., pillar 3a in Switzerland).

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smzh for you

We help you minimize your investment fees and maximize returns. Our service comprises:

  • Analysis of your current cost structure – Transparent overview of all fees.
  • Optimization of your investment strategy – Reducing unnecessary fees with efficient kinds of investment.
  • Use of low-cost products – ETFs, direct investments, or cost-efficient funds.
  • Long-term support – Regular reviews and adjustments of your cost strategy.

We handle questions such as those shown on the right on a daily basis. You don't need to deal with them by yourself – our 360° Check-Up is free of charge and non-binding.

Typical costs involve management fees, issuing premiums, and performance fees. ETFs are often less expensive than actively managed costs.

By investing in cost-efficient ETFs, avoiding unnecessary transactions, and potentially using direct investments.

Generally yes. Online brokers tend to charge lower transaction fees and custody fees than traditional banks.

It is only worth it if the fund manager achieves an above-average return after fees in the long run. Statistics show that only few actually manage to do so.

We analyze your investment strategy, identify unnecessary costs, and help you find a cost-effective solution.