Why are these big name investing apps using the gambling playbook to lure clients?
Summary
The article discusses the concerning trend of investing apps, such as TD Easy Trade and Wealthsimple, adopting strategies reminiscent of gambling to attract clients. While these apps offer benefits like low fees and easy access to investing, recent changes – like increased free trades and promotion of high-risk options – are seen as encouraging excessive trading and risky behavior. Wealthsimple is even exploring prediction trading, a direct form of gambling. The author argues that this shift is driven by the need to grow profits and compete, but it risks harming clients, particularly inexperienced investors, by promoting a gambling mindset rather than sound investment principles. The author suggests that while these apps are generally positive additions to the financial landscape, they are losing sight of prioritizing client well-being over short-term gains, especially given the current optimistic but potentially unsustainable market conditions.
(Source:Theglobeandmail)