Vanguard has announced the introduction of an Auto Invest feature to allow clients access to a more simplified method of making scheduled and automated investments.
The regular investment feature is applicable for managed funds via the Vanguard Personal Investor platform, with regular investment amounts from $200 being able to be made either fortnightly, monthly or quarterly.
Vanguard head of personal investor Balaji Gopal said the feature is a testament to the investment manager’s commitment to improving the investment space.
“Our Personal Investor platform was built to support our investors’ long-term investment success and we think Auto Invest will become a really key aspect of the investing experience with us, supporting a sensible and proven investment strategy,” Gopal said.
“Modelling we commissioned shows that making the choice to focus on maximising regular contributions and minimising costs can help investors achieve their financial goals without needing to adopt a riskier investment strategy in this low-yield environment. The launch of Auto Invest will make this an easier choice through a simple process that automates good habits.”
The modelling analysed three individual scenarios with differing life goals and demonstrated the benefits of maximising regular contributions. It further showed the impact of individually controlled factors, including costs and savings, on investment success, excluding the “raging bull markets and positive global economic factors”, Vanguard said.
Those involved with the new Auto Invest feature will additionally have access to unlisted managed funds and the platform via the launch of company accounts.
Further, improvements to the Auto Invest feature have already been initiated with plans to add Vanguard exchange-traded funds to the facility.
“We hope that since many of our clients already regularly contribute to their accounts, this automated regular investment feature will further encourage and make it easier for them to be disciplined as they build and diversify their wealth over the long term,” Gopal noted.
“As we continue to evolve our offering, our overarching intention is to support our investors in making smart investing decisions.”
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