Investment firms: State Street Global Advisors vs. Bridgewater Associates
Quick Verdict
State Street Global Advisors is a larger, more diversified firm with a broader client base and more transparent expense ratios. Bridgewater Associates focuses on institutional clients and employs a data-driven approach with AI.
- State Street Global Advisors has significantly higher AUM and serves a broader range of clients.
- Both firms utilize technological innovation, including AI, in their investment processes.
- Both firms offer ESG investing options, but State Street Global Advisors has a wider variety of ESG ETF options.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | State Street Global Advisors | Bridgewater Associates |
|---|---|---|
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | Over $4.3 trillion (March 31, 2024); $5.12 trillion (June 30, 2025) | Fluctuated; $92.1 billion (2024) |
| Investment Strategies Offered | Diversified portfolios, mutual funds, ETFs, tailored solutions, active and systematic indexed investment strategies, domestic and international index funds, short-term investment funds, ESG investing | Pure Alpha, All Weather, Pure Alpha Major Markets, Optimal Portfolio |
| Expense Ratios (for ETFs/Funds) | Average expense ratio for ETFs is 0.28%. SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has an expense ratio of 0.09%. | Not available |
| Client Types Served | Endowments, foundations, governments, institutions, consultants, employers, CFOs, corporate treasurers, asset managers, financial intermediaries, financial professionals, individual investors. | Primarily serves institutional clients. |
| Technological Innovation | Data analytics, AI, online portals, mobile apps | AI and machine learning in investment processes, developing AI-driven investment products |
| ESG Investing Options | Variety of ESG ETF options, strategies ranging from divestment to governance and gender equity. Integrates ESG factors into investment decisions. | Sustainable Investing Committee, Bridgewater All Weather Sustainability fund, assesses alignment of securities with SDGs and net zero. |
Overall Comparison
AUM: SSGA wins; Client Base: SSGA wins; ESG: Both offer options; Tech: Both innovative
Pros and Cons
State Street Global Advisors
Pros:
- Wide range of investment strategies
- Significant assets under management
- Focus on ESG investing
- Global presence
- Technological innovation in investment processes
- Client service commitment
- Transparent fee structure
- Strong research and analysis capabilities
Cons:
- AUM is smaller compared to BlackRock and Vanguard
Bridgewater Associates
Pros:
- Offers diverse investment strategies (Pure Alpha, All Weather, etc.)
- Employs a data-driven approach using quantitative methods and economic indicators
- Utilizes AI and machine learning in investment processes
- Offers ESG investing options through a Sustainable Investing Committee and the Bridgewater All Weather Sustainability fund
- Focuses on understanding macroeconomic forces and global economic indicators
Cons:
- AUM has fluctuated and recently declined
- Information on client service quality is not available
- Information on regulatory compliance record is not available
- Expense ratios for ETFs/funds not available
- Specific technological tools and platforms for clients are not available
- Case studies or examples of successful investment outcomes are not available
User Experiences and Feedback
State Street Global Advisors
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Bridgewater Associates
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.