Merrill lynch?

Question

What can Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney or any other reputable investment firm do for me that a bank cannot?

Answer 1

They all do the same things as you bank(Large one I assume) do for you. The only difference is they are specialists on asset allocation. Knowing when & where to put your money at work.

Answer 2

You are going to them for advise - they have a pool of investments that their annalists keep track of. They offer investments funds that they recommend and manage - each firm offering their own group that the other firm does not offer. You need to have a good relationship with your representative so you can trust him/her to have your best interest in mind. A friend invested with a company planning to live off the interest. The company invested 100% of the money - then turned around and cashed out her living allowance for the next year giving it to her in one lump. She not only did not get any income from such a short investment, but lost because of the transaction fees buying and selling. She moved her account.

Answer 3

Unless you have loads of money, the big banks probably aren't worth your effort. For the average guy, who wants to trade/invest in the market, an online broker is best. I personally like Fidelity Investments. The resrearch the big banks put out is generally garbage, so you should learn how to analyze companies yourself.

Answer 4

the big investment firms employ many analysts that are always on the look out for good companies to invest in. they can help you decide on which companies to invest in.

normally only the very large banks will employ these people

Answer 5

Money. (I mean more than 7% Yearly)

Answer 6

They all want to skim money from your account. It's up to you to see that they don't.