Investment management firms in Pennsylvania control equities, income securities, real estate and derivative products of the assets managed by those investment firms. Pennsylvania investment managers represent the customers, or “buy side,” of the investments business and the sellers, or “sell side,” are the investment bankers.

Investment firms in PA classify themselves by the specific type of assets managed in those investment firms. Pennsylvania investment managers may dedicate themselves to a specific client base while others serve all client types, including businesses that have assets to invest.

It is important to distinguish between the three basic investment types when evaluating Pennsylvania investment firms:

1. Mutual funds use the contributions of individual investors to form a single fund. Pennsylvania investment management firms typically use mutual funds for investors that do not have a high net worth.

2. Investment firms in PA form hedge funds with contributions from members of a private partnership and typically invests in public securities or a financial derivative of a public security.

3. The source of institutional funds is pensions, endowments and foundations for non-profit organizations. Investment management firms in Pennsylvania invest these types of funds more conservatively than mutual funds.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select an investment management agency in Pennsylvania that considers long-term results

A high degree of diversification to minimize risk is the most common strategy for this type of investment management. PA investment managers look for stocks that have a value that is not reflected in their current prices combined with a high earnings potential.

I recommend: Workman Securities deals in a range of investment services, including retirement planning and allows you to locate representatives by state on its website. Use Prudential for a variety investment management services including retirement planning. You can find an agent in your area by entering your zip code or city and state at Prudential’s website.

Find investment management firms in Pennsylvania for wealthy investors

A unique investment management plan is frequently beneficial for affluent clients. The financial advisers for these types of clients should work closely with the investment management firm to increase the client's wealth over the long-term.

I recommend: The National Association of Active Investment Managers is a non-profit association of registered investment advisers. You can find the nearest registered adviser by providing your city and state on its website. Country Financial has specialized experience in serving clients who have attained sudden wealth. You can find the nearest agent with the search form on its website.

Select an investment agency in Pennsylvania that is local to your area

Firms based in a specific area will manage equities and bonds investments in local business more efficiently than other types of investment management. PA agencies will put your money to good use, not only increasing your own worth, but helping other local business owners expand and prosper as well.

I recommend: Kooman and Associates in Altoona assists investors with financial and estate planning. Tucker Financial Services in Chambersburg provides financial planning for senior citizens and retirees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fund performance is the gold standard by which an investment management firm is measured. Financial analysts use standard indices and peer groups to compare the performance of different funds over the same time period. An investment company in Pennsylvania should assess fund performance over a long period, usually at least 3 years. This time frame will minimize the effect of short-term fluctuations and the business cycle.