Edward Jones highest in investor satisfaction

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 based on seven fac- tors: investment advisor, 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 enables branch teams to provide person- alized service to all clients, according to George Karnes, financial advisor at Edward Jones’ Front Royal office. He says this is what has helped the firm attain the highest score in the “Investment Advisor” category of the study.

“We are gratified that our clients find it convenient to work with us on their longterm financial goals,” Karnes said. “We enjoy working oneon-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,” Karnes 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. The company 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. The 2012 study is based on responses obtained in February from 4,378 investors who primarily invest with one of the 14 firms included in the study.