Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Desert Financial Credit Union has expanded its Digital Investing platform, adding new features designed to make investing more accessible for members at different stages of their financial journeys.
The platform, integrated into Online Banking and the Desert Financial mobile app, now includes the ability to purchase fractional shares, allowing members to invest in portions of stocks and exchange-traded funds without purchasing a full share, according to a press release.
Fractional shares move with the market in the same way as full shares and provide an option for investors who may have limited funds available to invest through a self-directed brokerage account.
“Investing often feels out of reach for many people, especially those who think they need thousands of dollars to get started,” Josh Fadel, managing director of Desert Financial Wealth Management, said. “Our digital investing tools are designed to meet the needs of every member, whether they’re investing for the first time or building long-term wealth.”
Desert Financial officials said the platform is designed to help members make informed investment decisions through educational resources, simulated trading tools and an AI-powered robo-advisor.
The simulated trading feature allows users to practice investing with test funds rather than real money. The robo-advisor automatically invests based on an individual’s goals and risk tolerance.
Members can research investments, select holdings and manage their portfolios through the platform. Desert Financial said the digital investing tools are designed to provide flexibility and self-directed investment options with relatively low minimum investment requirements.
