Investment Platform Comparisons From Money Saver (2024)

Investing in the stock market is a stepping stone to achieving your financial goals. But deciding which investment platform to go with can be an overwhelming process with so many options. Thankfully, this article will provide an overview of the three main players in the Kiwi investment scene–Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake–and compare how they stack up against each other on various essential aspects, from fees to accessibility. We’ll also take a look at other alternatives on the market, such as InvestNow, Flint Wealth, and Kernel Wealth, ensuring that you make an informed decision when selecting the best investment platform for your needs.

1. Introduction: Choosing the Right Investment Platform
2. Brief Overview of Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake
3. Recent Fee Changes: Impact on the Investors
4. Analysis of Best Investment Options for Long-term and Short-term Goals
5. Understanding Fees: A Side-by-Side Comparison
6. Essential Considerations: Sharesies vs Hatch vs Stake
7. Key Differences and Unique Selling Points
8. User Experience: Website vs App
9. Support and Customer Assistance
10. Portfolio Transfer Fees and Process
11. Final Thoughts and Recommendations
12. Exploring Alternatives: InvestNow, Flint Wealth, and Kernel Wealth
    

    Introduction: Choosing the Right Investment Platform

Investing in financial markets has been long hailed as a surefire way to grow wealth. Over the past few years, investment platforms have popped up, each claiming to be the best avenue for investors to make their millions. But with a smorgasbord of options, how does one smartly pick the right platform? This question is undoubtedly itching the back of many a Kiwi investor’s mind, as the race for investment supremacy between Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake heats up in New Zealand.

Sharesies is a Wellington-based investment platform that touts itself as an easy-to-use platform to invest in the share market. Launched in 2016, it already boasts hundreds of thousands of users. They offer a variety of investment options, including shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and managed funds.

Hatch claims to provide Kiwis with a simple, straightforward method to exchange in global markets. They offer access to over 3,500 companies and 750 ETFs on the US market, and have plans to expand further, including to the New Zealand market.

Stake, on the other hand, is an Australian platform that recently entered the fray in the New Zealand market, offering fee-free trading in over 4,000 US stocks and ETFs.

Recent Fee Changes: Impact on the Investors

In the ever-competitive world of investment platforms, the recent fee changes made by Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake are a testament to each platform’s effort to attract new investors and make investing in global markets more accessible. The critical question is: how do these changes impact the investors?

Sharesies recently introduced lower fees, with a new tiered annual subscription model. Hatch has eliminated their account subscription fee, only charging for transactions and forex fees. Stake, as earlier mentioned, offers fee-free trading for investors.

These changes have the potential of disrupting the investment landscape in New Zealand, as investors receive more value from their investments by reducing upfront costs and potential fees that may eat into their returns.

Analysis of Best Investment Options for Long-term and Short-term Goals

Before diving into a side-by-side comparison of investment platforms, let’s first evaluate which investment platform is best suited to your long-term and short-term financial goals.

Long-term investors might benefit the most from low-cost, diversified portfolios through ETFs or managed funds. Hatch and Sharesies offer a wide variety of options, while Stake’s focus on the US market provides access to an impressive range of US stocks and ETFs.

Short-term investors or stock-pickers, on the other hand, are likely enticed by Stake’s zero commissions offer, allowing them to trade individual stocks without worrying about fees on each transaction.

Understanding Fees: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Fees greatly affect investment returns, and below is a quick comparison of the three platforms’ fees:

• Sharesies: Previously charging a flat annual subscription fee, they have moved to a tiered subscription model, with fees ranging from $18 to $120 per year, based on the size of the investment portfolio.
• Hatch: No annual account fee, but charges $3 for transactions with a foreign exchange fee of 0.50% per transaction.
• Stake: No account fee or trading fees, except for forex fees of 1% per transaction.

This comparison explicitly demonstrates that while Sharesies aims to appeal to a wider audience with its new fee structure, Stake may be more attractive to short-term investors or frequent traders with fee-free trading.

To better compare the three investment platforms, let’s narrow down on essential aspects such as accessibility, investment options, and minimum deposits:

1. Accessibility: Sharesies and Hatch offer both website and app platforms, while Stake is currently only available as an app.
2. Investment options: All three platforms provide access to the US market, with Sharesies and Hatch providing additional options such as managed funds and ETFs. Currently, Stake only offers US stocks and ETFs.
3. Minimum Deposits: Sharesies has no minimum deposit, Hatch sets the bar at $10, and Stake requires at least $50.

Key Differences and Unique Selling Points

• Sharesies: Largest offering of investments and options, including NZ-based funds.
• Hatch: Focused on providing a comprehensive platform to explore US markets.
• Stake: Fee-free trading attracts short-term or frequent traders.

User Experience: Website vs App

All three platforms are user-friendly, but preferences vary, with stake being app-only, while Sharesies and Hatch provide both website and app platforms.

Support and Customer Assistance

Sharesies and Hatch are known for their helpful and responsive customer support, while Stake’s support, albeit accessible, might not be as comprehensive due to jurisdictional differences.

Portfolio Transfer Fees and Process

Sharesies has no restrictions on fund withdrawals, with a transfer process of 2-3 working days, while Hatch and Stake charge fees for funds withdrawals or transfers, which might impact investors looking to move their portfolios frequently.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Each platform has unique strengths that appeal to various kinds of investors. Sharesies reigns supreme in investment options and accessibility, Hatch is ideal for US stocks and ETFs enthusiasts, and Stake is a haven for fee-free traders.

Exploring Alternatives: InvestNow, Flint Wealth, and Kernel Wealth

Aware that the investment world doesn’t solely revolve around Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake, it’s crucial to look into alternatives such as InvestNow, Flint Wealth, and Kernel Wealth. Remember that researching, comparing fees, and understanding the target demographic of each platform is essential, as a well-researched investment decision is a gilded step towards achieving your financial goals, and ultimately, living your version of the Kiwi dream.

Wrapping It Up: Make the Smart Choice

In the cutthroat world of investment platforms, Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake stand out as distinguished contenders in the New Zealand market. The recent fee changes, unique selling points, and investment options cater to investors with diverse financial goals and risk appetites. As you ponder upon the perfect investment platform, bear in mind that the key to long-term wealth generation lies in understanding your financial objectives, investing sensibly, and continuously monitoring your investments‘ progress.

Ready to take the plunge into your next wealth-building venture? Start with a meticulous evaluation of your investment goals and risk appetite. Go through the essential considerations—accessibility, fees, investment options, and customer support—as you weigh the pros and cons for each platform. Take the time to explore alternatives like InvestNow, Flint Wealth, and Kernel Wealth, and make an informed decision that best suits your financial aspirations.

The finish line to financial independence may seem a far cry, but arming yourself with the right knowledge and making astute choices today will surely pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. So, dear Kiwi investor, seize the day and let your investment story unfold—one smart decision at a time.