Computerized investment tools can be flawed, the SEC and Finra warned on Friday.
One potential problem is the software may be programmed to use economic assumptions that will not react to shifts in the market, such as rising interest rates, the regulators said in a joint release.
Another hitch to be on the lookout for are automated investment tools that only consider investments offered by an affiliated firm, Sthe EC and Finra told consumers.
Moreover, the software sometimes can’t be personalized, they warned.
“An automated investment tool may not assess all of your particular circumstances, such as your age, financial situation and needs, investment experience, other holdings, tax situation, willingness to risk losing your investment money for potentially higher investment returns, time horizon for investing, need for cash, and investment goals,” they said.