Final answer:
E*TRADE would have focused on informative advertising to educate potential customers and build brand reputation. A diligent investment strategy, like the one described where tracking prices and news is involved, is likely to lead to a better-performing portfolio compared to a random, uninformed approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the type of advertising objective ETRADE would have needed to utilize when they pioneered the personal trading industry. During their inception in 1996 ETRADE broke new ground by offering a platform for consumers to trade financial securities online without the need of a broker. The primary advertising objective for this innovation would likely have been informative advertising, which is designed to create awareness of the brand and educate potential customers about the new service.
As for the scenario with you and your friend's investment strategies via E-Trade, the performance of the portfolios at the end of the year would likely differ. Your diligent approach of monitoring your selected investments and keeping abreast of financial news would enable you to make informed decisions, potentially leading to a better-performing portfolio.