If you're starting to build your portfolio, these often low-cost options can help make sure you’re sufficiently diversified from the outset.
Remember investments can fall in value. You may get back less than you invest. If you are unsure, seek independent advice.
When you invest in a fund, investment trust or ETF, your cash is used to buy a selection of investments that usually focus on a particular theme, specific industry or geographical area. Depending on the type of fund you select, a professional fund manager may pick these for you, so you get the extra benefit of their expert know-how.
Would you prefer a fund manager to actively manage your money for you or are you happy to let your investments simply track the market? Either way, you need to make sure you understand the difference between active and passive fund management and the relative cost before you get started.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular type of collective investment that provide access to a wide range of markets. Here’s our guide to how they work to help you understand what you’re investing in.
Capital is at risk.
Looking for an investment with a reputation for delivering decent returns for reasonable charges? Investment trusts could be right for you.
Funds are collective investments, where your and other investors’ money is pooled together and spread across a wide range of underlying investments, helping you spread your overall risk.
The popularity of passive funds is growing, attracting investors with the promise of dramatically lower costs than actively managed alternatives.
If you’re trying to decide which index tracker to invest in, make sure you understand the differences in the funds giving you exposure to the index.
Capital at risk.
Once you’ve selected which investment fund you’d like to buy, you have the option to choose either the income or accumulation version of the fund – but what’s the difference and which should you choose?
Stay up to date with the latest investment strategies from independent industry experts and our own professionals. We explore a wide range of different ideas and approaches so that you can work out the best investment plan for you.
Always remember that investments can fall in value. You may get back less than you invest.
A straight-forward way to invest
To choose and manage your own investments from a range of funds, shares, ETFs and bonds, get started today by simply opening up an Investment (Stocks & Shares) ISA, Investment Account or SIPP Account with Smart Investor.
If you already have an account, log in to continue.
If you have any questions, you can give us a call on 0800 279 36671.
