Some analysts, however, believe a significant education-deficit exists. Loads, it would seem. However, as more and better investment filters and screening technologies are devised, Klein believes these same gamblers will eventually become better-informed investors. All indications are that the mainstream investor will embrace the online method of interacting with their personal portfolio. In addition, online users seem to have a high level of tolerance for technological problems and service issues.
Direct access is another.
There will be more quality research, more screening tools, and better filtering devices, which will put pressure on live intermediaries. It will allow some investors who might otherwise seek out a live broker to skip that step, due to the comfort in use and automation of those services. Of course, when pure equity trading drops off, there may be hard times for online brokerage firms. This in itself could spell opportunity for mutual fund companies, if they plan now to exploit that potential. An interesting feature of the online brokerage landscape is Fidelity's market share of account volume.