First quarter 2002 appears to be the time when firms ramp up new and improved services to help investors navigate the tricky shoals of a volatile marketplace. Just yesterday, Morningstar unveiled its newest tool to help retail investors evaluate risk. Now, Vanguard has launched new online financial management tools for its clients, a spokesperson with the firm told the MutualFundWire.com.

"The new service offers our customers a consolidated look at all their accounts with Vanguard. We help them tackle such difficult issues as risk and diversification. We have already rolled out about half our new services, and we will have completed the process by the middle of February," the spokesperson reported.

From the homepage, which includes the consolidated view (everything from IRAs to brokerage accounts), the customer can navigate to the following:

• Analytical Tools -- a feature designed to assist investors in evaluating asset allocations in such arenas as growth versus value, sector weightings, and credit quality and interest-rate sensitivity of bond investments.
• Personal Performance Reviews -- a tool intended to provide clients with their rate of return for their Vanguard portfolios. This also includes an area where the current value of investments can be compared with the net amount invested.
• Mutual Fund and Stock Research -- a section wherein investors can research Vanguard and non- Vanguard funds, stocks, bonds, and annuities. Two funds or stocks can be compared in this area.

"People are not as risk tolerant as they once were," the spokesperson contended. "Investors need assistance in devising more diversified portfolios. Our redesign helps them do just that."

Related Story:

Latest Investor Tool from Morningstar; January 28, 2002. 

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