AIC publishes updated platform cost comparison tables

The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has published updated platform cost comparison information tables, with data compiled by The Lang Cat.

Its comparison tables cover 16 major investment platforms and help investors compare the costs of buying, selling and holding investment trusts and funds on platforms.

The AIC highlighted the intensifying competition among investment platforms, as well as recent and upcoming changes to price plans from Interactive Investor and Hargreaves Lansdown.

Its tables show which platforms offer investment trusts and give information on their charges for buying, selling and holding trusts and funds.

Investors can also see heatmaps of platform costs, indicating how much it would cost to hold various combinations of funds and trusts across different platforms.

The association stated that costs can vary significantly, noting that holding a £100,000 portfolio of investment trusts in an ISA and trading four times a year would incur costs, including trading and custody, that range from £0 to £420.

Similar information can also be seen for adviser platforms, although an adviser log-in is needed to view this.

“Competition between platforms on pricing has made it easier than ever for investors to shop around for a cheaper deal,” said AIC chief executive, Richard Stone.

“Clearly, costs aren’t everything, and service is important too – especially when it comes to issues like shareholder voting.

“Our comparison tables can help you make a more informed decision about where to hold your investments.”

The Lang Cat insight director, Steve Nelson, added: “There’s been noticeably more activity on pricing recently, and investors have more choice than ever.

“But costs still need to be understood in the round, and that’s where the AIC tables are really helpful, because they show the moving parts in one place and in plain English.

“It’s a strong starting point for narrowing the field to the platforms that look right for your portfolio and the way you trade.”

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