Edward Jones takes top ranking

Published 8:59 pm Tuesday, May 15, 2012

For the sixth year out of the past eight, financial-services firm Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction with full-service brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study.

The study measures overall investor satisfaction with full service investment firms based on seven factors: investment adviser, investment performance, account information, account offerings, commissions and fees, website and problem resolution.

Edward Jones places its branch offices in the communities where its clients — long-term individual investors — live and work. This practice, which enables its branch teams to provide personalized service to all clients, has helped the firm attain the highest score in the “investment adviser” category of the study.

“We are gratified that our clients find it convenient to work with us on their long-term financial goals,” Edward Jones managing partner Jim Weddle said. “We enjoy working one-on-one with our clients and believe that builds a collaborative relationship.”

Edward Jones also received high marks in the “account information” category, an important factor in the study.

“Hearing that we did particularly well in the account information factor is especially meaningful as we strive to help our clients make sense of investing,” Weddle said.

Edward Jones’ overall score climbed 15 points over last year, highest among the 14 largest firms rated, as well as 28 points above the industry average.

Edward Jones ranked highest in investor satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates in 2010 and 2009, from 2005 through 2007, and in a tie in 2002, when the study began. Edward Jones in Canada ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates Canadian Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study in 2006 through 2008.