News Release
IFIC and Pollara Release 2020 Canadian Mutual Fund and ETF Investor Survey
Annual survey includes new insights about responsible investing
September 21, 2020 (Toronto) – The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) and Pollara Strategic Insights today released the results of their annual Canadian Mutual Fund and Exchange-Traded Fund Investor Survey, which has tracked attitudes, expectations and behaviours of Canadian investors since 2006.
This year’s survey includes a responsible investing component for the first time. The survey also explores confidence in mutual funds and ETFs, the value of advice, fee discussion and understanding, and satisfaction with CRM2 statements.
“The annual Pollara survey enables us to better understand Canadian investors and work towards policy outcomes that best serve their needs,” said Paul Bourque, President and CEO, IFIC. “It is particularly interesting to note the strong interest in responsible investment as we continue to work towards greater clarity with respect to the strategies, products and terminology related to this approach.”
“During these uncertain times, it is positive to see that investors continue to place a great deal of confidence in mutual funds,” said Lesli Martin, Vice President, Pollara Strategic Insights. “It is also encouraging to see that both mutual fund and ETF investors have shown increased satisfaction with CRM2 statements.”
Key Findings:
- Confidence in mutual funds by mutual fund investors is at an all-time high, with 92% of respondents stating that they are somewhat confident, confident, or completely confident in mutual funds.
- The use of advisors for purchasing mutual funds has declined steadily since 2016, with 75% of investors stating that they work with an advisor in 2020.
- Satisfaction with advisors remains very high for both mutual fund investors, at 96% and ETF investors, at 98%.
- Satisfaction with the quality of information in CRM2 statements increased from last year across all key measures for mutual fund investors and ETF investors, including clearly showing the rate of return and clearly showing the fees paid.
- One-quarter of both mutual fund and ETF investors currently own responsible investments.
- A majority of both mutual fund (61%) and ETF (61%) investors who do not currently own responsible investments indicate they are somewhat likely, likely, or very likely to include these investments in their portfolio in the next few years.
Pollara conducted telephone interviews with approximately 1,000 randomly-selected mutual fund holders and 500 ETF holders who are eighteen years of age or older and make all or some of the decisions regarding investment purchases in their households.
To access the full survey, please visit IFIC.ca or pollara.com.
About IFIC
The Investment Funds Institute of Canada is the voice of Canada’s investment funds industry. IFIC brings together 150 organizations, including fund managers, distributors and industry service organizations, to foster a strong, stable investment sector where investors can realize their financial goals. By connecting Canada’s savers to Canada’s economy, our industry contributes significantly to Canadian economic growth and job creation.
About Pollara Strategic Insights
Founded in 1980, Pollara Strategic Insights is one of Canada’s premier full-service research firms – a collaborative team of senior research veterans who are passionate about conducting research through hands–on creativity and customized solutions. Taking full advantage of their comprehensive toolbox of industry-leading quantitative and qualitative methodologies and analytical techniques, Pollara provides research-based strategic advice to a wide array of clients across all sectors on a local, national, and global scale.
For more information, please contact:
Pira Kumarasamy
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
IFIC
pkumarasamy@ific.ca
416-309-2317
Lesli Martin
Vice President, Public Affairs
Pollara Strategic Insights
leslimartin@pollara.com
416-921-0090 ext. 2207
