We always end up paying something somehow. And I'd say it's only fair that we do. I’d rather not be blindsided by a zero-fee headline only to be charged elsewhere in a way that is not readily identifiable.
There's work behind any investment fund and that needs to be properly accounted and paid for. The investment fund industry is not a charity and we investors need to pay for the service provided to us.
What we must demand is a fair and transparent fee structure.
FTA: Should charges dictate investment decisions?
JGZ: Tricky one. Low for the sake of low is not good enough unless it translates into a good outcome.
Asset allocation in relation to our risk profile is key, and once we get that right, then the lower the fees we pay the better.
carmen.reichman@ft.com