Mutual Fund Fees
Mutual fund and ETF fees are more transparent and regulated than those of any other financial product in Canada. Fees are fully disclosed and reported as a total amount, usually including the cost of advice, and net of returns, so the investor knows the real return and the real cost. Investors in other countries, such as the U.S., may have to tally management, trading, advisor and other hidden costs to calculate their returns.
Canada’s comprehensive approach to fees reporting has led, on occasion, to Canadian funds being inaccurately characterized as costing more than those in other countries, specifically the U.S. Recent independent analysis shows this is not the case and that when all costs are included, advised Canadian mutual fund investors pay similar amounts to advised U.S. investors.
These competitively priced, built-in fees are another reflection of the pooling principle behind mutual funds and ETFs and make advice affordable and readily available to all investors, regardless of account size.
Related Documents
This report has been commissioned by The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) as an update to the data, analysis and information originally developed in 2012 as part of a study into the cost of ownership (CoO) of mutual funds in Canada and the United States. The analysis was expanded to include the cost of ownership of fund in the U.K. and Europe.
(July 25, 2019)This issue of Advisor Insights focuses on regulatory developments in 16 countries and is based on a research report that was updated in May 2018. It summarizes report findings in a number of areas, including expanded disclosure, targeted reforms, best interest standard and embedded commissions and includes key points for advisors to discuss with clients.
(May 31, 2018)This issue of Advisor Insights contains data on the household assets of Canadian investors and provides insights on the difference that access to advice can make in their long-term savings.
(January 31, 2018)This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the full cost of owning mutual funds in Canada and the United States. 2017 update to the 2012 study by Strategic Insight.
(October 4, 2017)This infographic highlights the services that retail investors receive for the fees that they pay through their purchase of mutual funds.
(July 14, 2016)Securities regulators in Canada and internationally have increased their focus in recent years on regulatory reforms aimed at improving investor protection and enhancing the investor experience. This issue of Advisor Insights looks at one area under regulatory review: advisor compensation.
(March 30, 2016)May 2015 Update to the 2012 study by Investor Economics and Strategic Insight
(June 9, 2015)(June 19, 2013)
(November 1, 2012)
(November 1, 2012)
(September 1, 2012)
Related Media Releases
(October 4, 2017)
(July 21, 2016)
(February 26, 2016)
(March 6, 2013)
