Sharesies is NZ’s favourite for online share trading

Sharesies, the popular investing site founded just five years ago, is the winner of Canstar’s inaugural award for Most Satisfied Customers in the online share trading category.

The survey to find the winner looked at a wide range of satisfaction measures including value for money, communications, fees, and customer service.

Shares have become an established investment option, particularly among New Zealand’s younger generations. This reflects disenchantment with the property market, with house prices increasing dramatically over the last few years. More than a quarter of respondents say they “recently decided to invest in shares rather than property,” with the figure rising to just over 30% for those in their 40s.

Jose George, Canstar’s General Manager, said the rise in trading among younger generations was unsurprising, given New Zealand’s changing social and economic dynamics. “Young Kiwis want to make their money grow, but property investing is now out of reach for many.

“The rise of platforms like Sharesies has enabled New Zealanders to invest for just a few dollars, and with a few clicks online or through an app,” Mr George says. “Historically, share markets have offered very good returns. The key is investing for the long-term rather than reacting to ups and downs.”

Sonya Williams, co-founder and co-CEO, is thrilled with the award. “Right from when we started, putting the customer at the heart of what we do has always been a big focus for Sharesies, it’s really great to hear our customers feel this too.”

“We’ve always strived to make investing more accessible and engaging so more people have opportunities to grow their wealth. It’s also great to see 30% of respondents saying they’re investing in New Zealand companies to support the domestic economy, especially in these challenging times!” she says.

Note:
The survey respondents needed to have an online share trading account, and have traded in the last 12 months.

CANSTAR provides Australia and New Zealand's only fully interactive online research service in retail and business finance. Founded in 1992, CANSTAR Pty Limited (formerly CANNEX) is Australia and New Zealand's premier researcher of retail finance information for over 250 institutions such as Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Finance Companies, Brokers, Mortgage Originators, Life Companies and finance related Internet Portals. CANSTAR customers use the extensive database for competitor analysis as well as a means of disseminating their product range. CANSTAR also distributes this information to print and electronic media for publication and to Agents, Accountants, Brokers and Internet Portals for use in advising their clients. CANSTAR researches, compares and rates a suite of banking products listed below. Results are freely available to consumers who use the star ratings as a guide to product excellence. The use of similar star ratings logos also builds consumer recognition of quality products across all categories. Please access the CANSTAR website at www.canstar.co.nz if you would like to view the latest star ratings reports of interest. © CANSTAR New Zealand Limited (3225469), 2008-2013. The recipient must not reproduce or transmit to third parties the whole or any part of this work, whether attributed to CANSTAR or not, unless with prior written permission from CANSTAR, which if provided, may be provided on conditions. To the extent that any CANSTAR data, ratings or commentary constitutes general advice, this advice has been prepared by CANSTAR New Zealand Limited (3225469) FSP 200146 and does not take into account your individual investment objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Information provided does not constitute financial, taxation or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. CANSTAR recommends that, before you make any financial decision, you seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. A Product Disclosure Statement relating to the product should also be obtained and considered before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. CANSTAR acknowledges that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

© Scoop Media