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Journal of Financial Economics Vol. 157 2024

The diversification and welfare effects of robo-advising

Alberto G. Rossi1; Stephen P. Utkus1,2

1 Georgetown University · 2 California University of Pennsylvania

Abstract

We study the diversification and welfare effects of a large US robo-advisor on the portfolios of previously self-directed investors and document five facts. First, robo-advice reshapes portfolios by increasing indexing and reducing home bias, number of assets held, and fees. Second, these portfolio changes contribute to higher Sharpe ratios. Third, those who benefit most from robo-advice are investors who did not have high exposure to equities or indexing and had poorer diversification levels. Fourth, robo-advice decreases the time investors dedicate to managing their investments. Fifth, those investors who benefit most are more likely to join the service and not quit it.

DOI
10.1016/j.jfineco.2024.103869
Volume
157
Pages
103869
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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