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The diversification and welfare effects of robo-advising

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  • Rossi, Alberto G.
  • Utkus, Stephen

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Rossi, Alberto G. & Utkus, Stephen, 2024. "The diversification and welfare effects of robo-advising," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:157:y:2024:i:c:s0304405x24000928
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2024.103869
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    FinTech; Portfolio choice; Machine learning; Individual investors; Financial literacy; Technology adoption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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