Investors Using Internet for Research Grows Three-Fold Since 1999

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Roughly 62% of all investors – nearly 35 million – now access the Web for research and information, news, and financial services, a three-fold increase in use over the past four years. According to a survey by American Century Investments, investors doing their homework when they visit a Web site are looking for account information and access, performance reporting, account aggregation, investment research and market data. A co-survey with Lifespan Millionaire Insight Monitor indicated 90% of millionaire investors older than 50 years old (those with investable assets of more than $1 million) use the Internet at least once a week and spend an average of 9.5 hours per week online. With an abundance of financial information available on the Internet, it can still be confusing to individuals whether or not to use a financial planner, researchers noted. “Yes, the information is available, but being able to disseminate the information is the key,” researchers said. “To be successful in achieving financial goals, a commitment to a plan is essential. The financial plan must have clearly written and defined goals.”