Merrill Edge, the mass-affluent channel of Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, says it introduced two income-focused portfolios to this platform earlier this month.
With the Merrill Edge Income Portfolio and the Income & Growth Portfolio, there are now 12 portfolios available on the platform. The portfolios are actively managed and typically have eight to 16 positions in mutual funds and ETFs, a $20,000 investment minimum and a 1% yearly management fee.
“The two new portfolios are more income oriented and are designed for those nearing or in retirement who want to augment their savings with income,” Prasad said.
The two income-focused portfolios include a variety of fixed-income securities and related products—including emerging-market bond funds, floating-rate products and REITs, according to Tom Halloran, head of Merrill Edge product development.
Earlier this year, Bank of America (BAC) rolled out the Merrill Edge Roadmap, a financial- planning tool for its 1.6 million mass-affluent Merrill Edge clients. As of June, it has some 1,800 Merrill Edge “financial solutions advisors,” about 1,000 of whom are located in BofA branch offices.
“The asset levels in our Merrill Edge portfolios are far exceeding our expectations,” Prasad said. “We keep our ears close to the ground to understand our clients and their goals.”