Best Managed Trading Accounts in 2024
Managed trading accounts are investment vehicles that are typically overseen by experienced traders. These individuals will monitor the portfolio’s performance, and buy and sell assets on your behalf. Managed accounts are best if you want a hands-off approach to trading.
In this guide, we share our pick of the best managed trading accounts and explain the key things to consider when deciding which broker to use.
Best Brokers With Managed Accounts
These 10 brokers offer managed trading accounts and received the highest overall ratings in our in-depth reviews. All 10 managed trading account brokers are available .
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1
eToro USAInvest $100 and get $10https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
2
DNA Markets
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASICCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, CryptoMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, BPAY, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Bitwallet, AstroPay, MastercardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
3
Pocket Option50% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$50$1MISABinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, CryptosWeb, MT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCashUSD -
4
IQCent20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
5
Videforex20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
$250$0.011:500Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoTradingViewSkrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB -
6
xChief$100 No Deposit Bonus
$100.01 Lots1:1000VFSCCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, IndicesMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, VoletUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF -
7
InstaTrade
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$10.011:1000BVI FSCFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, FuturesInstaTrade Gear, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, RUB -
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Pionex -
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BinaryCent20% - 200% deposit bonus
$250$0.011:500VFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, CommoditiesOwnVisa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum PaymentsUSD -
10
World Forex100% Deposit Bonus
$10.01 Lots1:1000SVGFSAForex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital ContractsMT4, MT5Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, VoletUSD, EUR, RUB
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- eToro USA - You can mirror the positions and strategies of up to 100 other traders with the market-leading eToro US copy trading service. Unlike many competitors, eToro gives you more control over your portfolio, allowing you to stop or pause a copied trade at any time. Pricing is also fairly competitive, with only $1 required to copy a position. eToro copy trading is for crypto only.
- DNA Markets - DNA Markets offers Signal Start, a user-friendly copy trading solution. The tool is easy to use and new traders enjoy the first 3 months subscription-free. On the negative side, it lacks the social trading features you get with more comprehensive apps like eToro.
- Pocket Option - Pocket Option hosts a user-friendly social trading service. Available in the platform, you can use the ‘Top Ranked Trades’ leaderboard, among others, to find traders to follow. The social trading solution is also available 24/7 and has active community chats. Tip: check the number of trades made and profit generated over several months rather than comparing providers over a few days.
- IQCent - A copy trading service is pre-integrated into the broker’s web platform, where you can follow and replicate the trades of up to 10 established investors. Where it shines is its ease of use - you simply decide how much you want to invest and hit 'copy'. On the downside, the pool of master traders is narrow and you get limited data on past performance, making it less reliable.
- Videforex - Videforex offers an integrated copy trading service where users can automatically or manually replicate the positions of other traders. Simply choose a trader and asset class and specify the investment amount.
- xChief - Clients can follow copy trading signals on the MetaTrader platform. Alternatively, signal providers can generate extra income by selling their positions. You can start copy trading in a few easy steps.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers hands-off trading through its Fixed Income Structured Product, where clients automatically replicate the positions of active traders. What’s distinctive is InstaTrade’s offer to ensure clients make a 50% return by compensating any shortfall if other users are referred.
- Pionex - Pionex clients can find other successful investors and copy their trading bot setups. This allows users to buy and sell cryptos 24/7 from a user-friendly platform and app.
- BinaryCent - The copy trading tool is available for all account types, including the lowest - Bronze. You can pick a trader based on their returns and ranking. The sign-up process is quick and account activation is instant.
- World Forex - Use copy trading signals on MT4 to replicate strategies in your own live account. No additional fees apply and the platform is available via downloadable software plus a web-accessible solution.
Best Managed Trading Accounts in 2024 Comparison
| Broker | Copy Trading | MAM Account | PAMM Account | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $10 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $100 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $50 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $250 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $250 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✔ | $10 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $1 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $0 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $250 |
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✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $1 |
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
Cons
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
DNA Markets
"DNA Markets is an excellent choice for short-term traders familiar with the MetaTrader platforms. The smooth sign-up process also makes it easy to get started while the $100 minimum deposit is accessible. That said, DNA Markets trails the top brokers in education, research and mobile trading. "
DNA Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- Convenient account funding is available with 7 base currencies, a $100 deposit and a wide range of payment methods
- Short-term trading strategies are permitted including scalping and automated trading using Expert Advisors (EAs)
- The broker provides 24/5 customer support with response times of <2 minutes during testing
Cons
- Unlike many alternatives, there are limited educational and research tools for traders seeking an all-in-one solution
- Although it continues to strengthen its client base and reputation, DNA Markets lacks the track record of top brokers like Vantage
- Despite access to MT4 and MT5, there is no proprietary trading app for seamless account management whilst on the go
Pocket Option
"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."
Pocket Option Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos |
| Regulator | MISA |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes
- Well-funded traders who deposit $1000+ can qualify for a 2%+ payout boost, more tradable assets and exclusive perks
- The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
Cons
- Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests
- The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
- You need to deposit $1000 to access the extended list of 250+ assets, otherwise just 130+ assets are available
IQCent
"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "
IQCent Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | IFMRRC |
| Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
- The broker's 24/7 customer support is fast and reliable, responding within 1 minute during tests
- CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
Cons
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
- The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
- The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
Videforex
"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts also remain higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."
William Berg, Reviewer
Videforex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- The support times are fast and reliable based on tests - few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support
- Videforex allows you to enter positions with just ¢0.01
- Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering great practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders
Cons
- The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
- US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
xChief Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $100 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | VFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
- xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools
- The low minimum deposit of $10 will appeal to beginners, as well as the beginners’ guides in the Library
Cons
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
- The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
- Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
- InstaTrade TV, consisting of video interviews and valuable market insights spanning equities, cryptos and more, helps identify opportunities and inform short-term trades.
- InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
Cons
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
- InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
- Marketing of the FISP, especially phrasing around the “guarantee of profitability” and the “elimination of risks of trading on financial markets” raises concerns.
Pionex
"Pionex is an excellent option for crypto traders with an interest in cutting-edge AI like ChatGPT and automated trading."
Pionex Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Regulator | FinCEN |
| Platforms | Own |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.1 USDT |
Pros
- Excellent and innovative liquidity engines aggregated from Binance and Huobi
- 40+ cryptocurrency funding coins accepted
- Money Services Business (MSB) license by US FinCEN
Cons
- Withdrawal fees and limits may apply
- No demo account
- Limited contact options
BinaryCent
"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
BinaryCent Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% - 200% deposit bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities |
| Regulator | VFSC |
| Platforms | Own |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Trade binary contracts from $0.10 allowing trading opportunities for all budgets
- Simple and straightforward proprietary platform for binary options trading
- Copy trading and binary options bots are useful for beginner traders
Cons
- The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers
- Not available to traders based in the US
- Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
World Forex
"World Forex provides both highly leveraged CFDs and digital contracts, making this a good broker for clients who want flexible and rewarding ways to trade. The copy trading service will also appeal to newer traders."
World Forex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 100% Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts |
| Regulator | SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- 10+ accepted payment methods
- VPS hosting
- Swap-free account available
Cons
- No negative balance protection
- Withdrawal fees apply
- Weak regulation
What Are Managed Trading Accounts?
Managed trading accounts are portfolios that are owned by an individual but managed by a third party.
You give control – usually to a money manager – to trade assets such as forex without your prior approval. They should make decisions based on your risk appetite, personal wealth and financial goals.
Managers are usually compensated by a fee, often calculated as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). Alternatively, you may pay a routine subscription fee, for example monthly, and/or a percentage of any profits.
Importantly, they require you to take a leap of faith and put your trust (and money) in the lap of an external party. This can be uncomfortable for many individuals.
Managed account brokers should provide you with regular reports on your account, including a list of its holdings and its performance.
Types Of Managed Trading Accounts
These trading vehicles fall into several categories:
- Copy trading: This is the most straightforward managed account solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Copy trading platforms allow you to mirror the strategies of a wide range of experienced traders, with the best brokers providing performance leaderboards and risk ratings to help you find suitable strategy providers.
- Multi-account manager (MAM) or percentage allocation management module (PAMM): PAMM accounts distribute profits or losses among traders based on their initial deposit. MAM, a variant of PAMM, offers flexibility by allowing non-proportional trade allocations, enabling traders to assume varying levels of risk, leading to potentially different returns.
- Separately managed accounts (SMAs): These are actively supervised by a human portfolio manager (or team of managers) who will monitor your account’s performance, conduct research, and buy or sell securities based on your preferences. These are popular with longer-term investors and high-net-worth individuals.
- Robo advisors: These are digital platforms that use algorithms to manage the portfolio. These automated systems are much cheaper to employ than human-managed SMAs, meaning that they have grown rapidly in popularity since being introduced in 2008. The downside is that the level of portfolio customization that you enjoy tends to be lower.
Analysts at Statista expect assets under management (AUMs) in the robo advisor market to continue growing steadily, as the chart below shows.
How To Compare Managed Trading Accounts
You have plenty of choice when it comes to deciding which managed account provider to go with. However, there are multiple factors we, and you, should consider:
Trading Performance
Reputable managed account brokers supply a wide range of information on who makes trading decisions, their philosophy, and other elements that influence their decision-making.
You should choose a company that provides comprehensive reports showing the historical performance of the accounts they supervise.
Total return, risk-adjusted return, volatility, and performance against key benchmarks are critical criteria that you should pore over carefully.
Capital Requirements
Managed account providers typically demand that you meet minimum investment amounts. The exact value differs from brokerage to brokerage, although they can be high (sometimes running into six-figure amounts).
At Charles Schwab, for example, a managed account based on equities trading has a minimum investment requirement of $100,000. For fixed income securities the amount rises to $250,000.
However, if you want a more accessible option, IG Smart Portfolios are available with a $500 minimum investment.
Commission and Fee Structure
Employing the expertise of a market professional involves taking on extra cost. In fact, the expense of using a managed account can be high.
Fees may be applied on an annual basis and charged as a percentage of total assets under administration (AUMs). These can vary considerably amongst account providers, but most charge between 1% and 3% of AUM.
Alternatively, some providers charge a monthly subscription fee and a cut of any profits, known as a performance fee.
That said, eToro is popular because it does not charge any additional fees to copy trades beyond the usual spreads and transaction fees. The downside is that the expertise and performance of master traders can vary dramatically.
Importantly, large fees can significantly erode investment returns. Keeping costs to a minimum is essential, although you may be willing to accept higher expenses if you expect to make a better return with a specific provider, for example.
Robo advisors tend to charge lower fees than account providers that employ money managers. I think these can be a good option for traders operating on a low budget.
Customer Support
The extra fees that you often pay for managed accounts should (in theory) guarantee a good level of customer service. You will want to be able to contact your provider quickly and easily, and to receive regular updates on your holdings and the performance of your portfolio.
You can consult user feedback on review websites like Trustpilot to assess the quality of a provider’s customer support.
Alternatively, we test the customer support of managed account brokers as part of our review process, with IG standing out for its 24/7 reliable assistance.
Technology and User Interface
Some money managers operate sophisticated in-house trading platforms, while others outsource their non-core functions to third-party providers like Fidelity.
It is important to select an account provider which has stable online technology and offers a user-friendly interface. After all, if you cannot understand any of the reports or information provided to you, how can you tell how close you are to meeting your financial goals?
FxPro offers a MAM account through the industry’s most popular platform – MetaTrader 4, so if you are already familiar with this forex trading software you can skip a steep learning curve.
I also recommend that you check that the managed account provider you are planning to use is recognized and approved by your local regulator.
In the UK, for example, clients can ascertain an account provider’s regulatory status through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Bottom Line
Managed trading accounts can be extremely useful if you have little time or energy to build and supervise your portfolio. They can also provide tax benefits, and allow you to benefit from the expertise of a professional.
However, these accounts may require high investment amounts and can attract elevated fees (though cheaper options are often provided by robo advisors).
When comparing brokers with managed trading accounts, it is important to consider customer support, interfaces and fees. It is also critical to evaluate the skill of the investment manager by considering past trading performance.
FAQ
What Is A Managed Trading Account?
A managed trading account is a financial product where a human (or automated) advisor is delegated day-to-day management of your portfolio.
This third party should execute transactions based on your risk tolerance, financial goals and economic circumstances, and closely monitor the portfolio’s performance.
What Is The Difference Between A Managed And Unmanaged Trading Account?
Managed trading accounts provide a hands-off approach to trading. You give control to a manager who will buy or sell securities and assets on your behalf.
Conversely, unmanaged accounts require you to take action and make trading decisions.
Are Managed Trading Accounts Worth The Fees?
Managed trading accounts may be worth it if you do not want to actively trade and have the capital to meet the sometimes large minimum investment requirements.
However, these accounts do not necessarily beat the market and returns can be below average due to the fees incurred.