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Ready-made Investments

A straight-forward way to invest

What are Ready-made Investments?

If you’re ready to invest but are short on time or need some inspiration, you might want to consider one of our five ready-made investment funds. You don’t need to be an expert – our team of professionals create and monitor our funds. Just choose the one which sounds most like you and start your investment journey today. Check if you’re ready to invest.

1. Select fund

Read about our five funds, their characteristics and choose the one that sounds most like you

2. Open account

Once you’ve chosen, simply follow a few steps to open and fund your account, then you’ll be ready to buy your Ready-made Investment

3. Sit back and relax

Let our experts take care of the hard stuff – they’ll ensure the fund continues to perform in line with its characteristics

Why choose Ready-made Investments?

Our five Ready-made Investment funds are a great option if you’re short on time or need some inspiration. Watch our short video with Barclays’ Clare Francis to learn more about these funds.

At Barclays, we understand that when it comes to investing, often the hardest part is knowing where to start. That’s why we offer five Ready-made Investment funds to help you take that first step. They offer a convenient one-stop solution which can be ideal if you’re not sure about making your own investment decisions, or are short on time.

These funds take the work out of investing because they’re looked after by Barclays’ investment experts who do all of the hard stuff so you don't have to. They’ll make changes to where your money’s invested depending on what’s going on in the stock markets, and keep you regularly updated with how your investment's performing. It’s worth mentioning though, that you can check how your investment's doing at any time either online or via the Barclays app.

There’s always risk involved with investing because obviously stock markets can fall as well as rise, so there’s a chance you could lose money. However, there are ways to reduce that risk and this is how the funds differ. They all invest in a mixture of shares, bonds and cash, which gives you instant diversification which is really important when it comes to investing because it can help protect against stock market falls, but the proportion they hold in each differs.

So to get started all you need to do is choose which fund to go for. Whether you’re more comfortable taking a lower risk approach or are happy to take a bit more risk in the hope of potentially higher returns, hopefully there'll be a fund to match your needs.

I hope you found that helpful – but there is a lot more information about Ready-made Investments on our website.

Remember, the value of investments can fall as well as rise and you might not get back what you invest. On this page you’ll find information about our Ready-made Investments to help you decide if they’re right for you and tips on how to get started. If you’re unsure about investing, seek independent financial advice.

Your investment match

We like to keep investing simple. We created the following five funds (and their characteristics) to do exactly that. Just like us, each acts in a different way, so choose one that matches your individual needs and attitude to risk.

When you invest, you’re looking to boost the return on your money but should understand that alongside the chance of a bigger reward, comes the potential for bigger losses and a bumpier ride along the way – that’s “risk” –, so bear this in mind when choosing your fund. In general, cash is the least risky and shares are the riskiest, with bonds sitting in between. Learn more about asset allocation.

Choose your risk appetite
  • Defensive

    Defensive

    • Risk level: Our lowest risk fund, but there’s no such thing as risk free
    • It contains: 25% cash, 57% bonds and 18% shares. These numbers may change as our experts make the most of short-term opportunities.
    • It’s like: Riding a bike with the stabilisers on
    Image of portfolio chart - please see the accessible table version further down the page.
    Discrete 5 year performance (%)

    Year from 31 March

    2016-17

    2017-18

    2018-19

    2019-20

    2020-21

    Global Markets 1

    6.31%

    1.61%

    2.00%

    -0.33%

    7.31%

    Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Looking for the nuts and bolts? We’ve put together these documents that you should read before you invest.

    KIID [PDF, 183KB], Factsheet [PDF, 228KB], you can also read the Value Assessment here [PDF, 683KB]

    They’ll tell you about the fund, explain how our experts have created it and its associated risks.

    You can sell your fund and access your cash at any time, but remember your investment should be for the long term (at least five years) as you could get back less than you invested if you sell at any time. This is particularly likely if you sell after only a short term of investment.

    How much will your Ready-made Investment cost?

    The total cost is the combination of our product, customer and transaction fees.

    Product fees = 0.45% per year*. The ongoing cost of managing your investment.

    Customer fees = 0.2% per year or a minimum of £4 per month. The cost of running your account and safekeeping your investments.

    Online transaction fees = £3 or £1 if made as a regular investment. The cost you’ll pay every time you buy or sell an investment.

    *This cost is deducted from the value of the fund, not charged as a cash payment like the customer fee. When a fund buys and sells assets it will also incur Transaction costs. These aren’t included in the product fees.

    Holding value

    Total ongoing cost (excluding fund transaction costs)

    £5,000

    £5.88 per month

    £10,000

    £7.75 per month

    £15,000

    £9.63 per month

    Ready to buy?

    Open a new Smart Investor account

    You can choose from two types of account. Once your account is open, you can buy your chosen Ready-made Investment.

    Investment ISA

    The most popular account people chose when they start to invest.

    You can pay in up to £20,000 per tax year

    Any returns you make are tax-free.

    Tax rules can change in future and their effects on you will depend on your individual circumstances.

    Open an Investment ISA
    No log in? Apply here

    Investment Account

    A flexible account which you might want to consider if you’ve already used your ISA allowance for the current tax year OR you’re already paying into an ISA with another provider.

    No limits on the amount you can invest.

    The return you make on your investments will be taxable but there are allowances that may mean you don’t pay tax, or it is reduced.

    Open Investment Account
    No log in? Apply here

    Smart Investor is an investment service for UK residents aged 18 or over. The service is not available to US persons, even if they are resident in the UK.

    Already have a Smart Investor account?

    You can buy this Ready-made Investment using an existing account.

    Buy Ready-made Investment
  • Cautious

    Cautious

    • Risk level: Slightly higher than Defensive, but still at the lower end of the spectrum
    • It contains: 16% cash, 51% bonds and 33% shares. These numbers may change as our experts make the most of short-term opportunities.
    • It’s like: Taking the stabilisers off your bike – you might wobble slightly, but it’s not too dangerous
    Image of portfolio chart - please see the accessible table version further down the page.
    Discrete 5 year performance (%)

    Year from 31 March

    2016-17

    2017-18

    2018-19

    2019-20

    2020-21

    Global Markets 2

    11.05%

    2.31%

    3.77%

    -2.62%

    15.45%

    Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Looking for the nuts and bolts? We’ve put together these documents that you should read before you invest.

    KIID [PDF, 183KB], Factsheet [PDF, 228KB], you can also read the Value Assessment here [PDF, 683KB]

    They’ll tell you about the fund, explain how our experts have created it and its associated risks.

    You can sell your fund and access your cash at any time, but remember your investment should be for the long term (at least five years) as you could get back less than you invested if you sell at any time. This is particularly likely if you sell after only a short term of investment.

    How much will your Ready-made Investment cost?

    The total cost is the combination of our product, customer and transaction fees.

    Product fees = 0.45% per year*. The ongoing cost of managing your investment.

    Customer fees = 0.2% per year or a minimum of £4 per month. The cost of running your account and safekeeping your investments.

    Online transaction fees = £3 or £1 if made as a regular investment. The cost you’ll pay every time you buy or sell an investment.

    *This cost is deducted from the value of the fund, not charged as a cash payment like the customer fee. When a fund buys and sells assets it will also incur Transaction costs. These aren’t included in the product fees.

    Holding value

    Total ongoing cost (excluding fund transaction costs)

    £5,000

    £5.88 per month

    £10,000

    £7.75 per month

    £15,000

    £9.63 per month

    Ready to buy?

    Open a new Smart Investor account

    You can choose from two types of account. Once your account is open, you can buy your chosen Ready-made Investment.

    Investment ISA

    The most popular account people chose when they start to invest.

    You can pay in up to £20,000 per tax year

    Any returns you make are tax-free.

    Tax rules can change in future and their effects on you will depend on your individual circumstances.

    Open an Investment ISA
    No log in? Apply here

    Investment Account

    A flexible account which you might want to consider if you’ve already used your ISA allowance for the current tax year OR you’re already paying into an ISA with another provider.

    No limits on the amount you can invest.

    The return you make on your investments will be taxable but there are allowances that may mean you don’t pay tax, or it is reduced.

    Open Investment Account
    No log in? Apply here

    Smart Investor is an investment service for UK residents aged 18 or over. The service is not available to US persons, even if they are resident in the UK.

    Already have a Smart Investor account?

    You can buy this Ready-made Investment using an existing account.

    Buy Ready-made Investment
  • Balanced

    Balanced

    • Risk level: Medium. Some uncertainty, but within your comfort zone.
    • It contains: 8% cash, 39% bonds and 53% shares. These numbers may change as our experts make the most of short-term opportunities.
    • It’s like: Riding a bike in the road, but still in the cycle lane
    Image of portfolio chart - please see the accessible table version further down the page.
    Discrete 5 year performance (%)

    Year from 31 March

    2016-17

    2017-18

    2018-19

    2019-20

    2020-21

    Global Markets 3

    16.04%

    3.05%

    5.16%

    -4.45%

    22.66%

    Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Looking for the nuts and bolts? We’ve put together these documents that you should read before you invest

    KIID [PDF, 183KB], Factsheet [PDF, 228KB], you can also read the Value Assessment here [PDF, 683KB]

    They’ll tell you about the fund, explain how our experts have created it and its associated risks.

    You can sell your fund and access your cash at any time, but remember your investment should be for the long term (at least five years) as you could get back less than you invested if you sell at any time. This is particularly likely if you sell after only a short term of investment.

    How much will your Ready-made Investment cost?

    The total cost is the combination of our product, customer and transaction fees.

    Product fees = 0.45% per year*. The ongoing cost of managing your investment.

    Customer fees = 0.2% per year or a minimum of £4 per month. The cost of running your account and safekeeping your investments.

    Online transaction fees = £3 or £1 if made as a regular investment. The cost you’ll pay every time you buy or sell an investment.

    *This cost is deducted from the value of the fund, not charged as a cash payment like the customer fee. When a fund buys and sells assets it will also incur Transaction costs. These aren’t included in the product fees.

    Holding value

    Total ongoing cost (excluding fund transaction costs)

    £5,000

    £5.88 per month

    £10,000

    £7.75 per month

    £15,000

    £9.63 per month

    Ready to buy?

    Open a new Smart Investor account

    You can choose from two types of account. Once your account is open, you can buy your chosen Ready-made Investment.

    Investment ISA

    The most popular account people chose when they start to invest.

    You can pay in up to £20,000 per tax year

    Any returns you make are tax-free.

    Tax rules can change in future and their effects on you will depend on your individual circumstances.

    Open an Investment ISA
    No log in? Apply here

    Investment Account

    A flexible account which you might want to consider if you’ve already used your ISA allowance for the current tax year OR you’re already paying into an ISA with another provider.

    No limits on the amount you can invest.

    The return you make on your investments will be taxable but there are allowances that may mean you don’t pay tax, or it is reduced.

    Open Investment Account
    No log in? Apply here

    Smart Investor is an investment service for UK residents aged 18 or over. The service is not available to US persons, even if they are resident in the UK.

    Already have a Smart Investor account?

    You can buy this Ready-made Investment using an existing account.

    Buy Ready-made Investment
  • Growth

    Growth

    • Risk level: Higher risk, designed for those who’ll take chances if the potential pay-outs are worth it
    • It contains: 2% cash, 24% bonds and 74% shares. These numbers may change as our experts make the most of short-term opportunities.
    • It’s like: Riding off-road – but making sure you’re wearing a helmet and knee pads
    Image of portfolio chart - please see the accessible table version further down the page
    Discrete 5 year performance (%)

    Year from 31 March

    2016-17

    2017-18

    2018-19

    2019-20

    2020-21

    Global Markets 4

    20.05%

    3.76%

    6.40%

    -6.51%

    29.24%

    Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Looking for the nuts and bolts? We’ve put together these documents that you should read before you invest.

    KIID [PDF, 183KB], Factsheet [PDF, 228KB], you can also read the Value Assessment here [PDF, 683KB]

    They’ll tell you about the fund, explain how our experts have created it and its associated risks.

    You can sell your fund and access your cash at any time, but remember your investment should be for the long term (at least five years) as you could get back less than you invested if you sell at any time. This is particularly likely if you sell after only a short term of investment.

    How much will your Ready-made Investment cost?

    The total cost is the combination of our product, customer and transaction fees.

    Product fees = 0.45% per year*. The ongoing cost of managing your investment.

    Customer fees = 0.2% per year or a minimum of £4 per month. The cost of running your account and safekeeping your investments.

    Online transaction fees = £3 or £1 if made as a regular investment. The cost you’ll pay every time you buy or sell an investment.

    *This cost is deducted from the value of the fund, not charged as a cash payment like the customer fee. When a fund buys and sells assets it will also incur Transaction costs. These aren’t included in the product fees.

    Holding value

    Total ongoing cost (excluding fund transaction costs)

    £5,000

    £5.88 per month

    £10,000

    £7.75 per month

    £15,000

    £9.63 per month

    Ready to buy?

    Open a new Smart Investor account

    You can choose from two types of account. Once your account is open, you can buy your chosen Ready-made Investment.

    Investment ISA

    The most popular account people chose when they start to invest.

    You can pay in up to £20,000 per tax year

    Any returns you make are tax-free.

    Tax rules can change in future and their effects on you will depend on your individual circumstances.

    Open an Investment ISA
    No log in? Apply here

    Investment Account

    A flexible account which you might want to consider if you’ve already used your ISA allowance for the current tax year OR you’re already paying into an ISA with another provider.

    No limits on the amount you can invest.

    The return you make on your investments will be taxable but there are allowances that may mean you don’t pay tax, or it is reduced.

    Open Investment Account
    No log in? Apply here

    Smart Investor is an investment service for UK residents aged 18 or over. The service is not available to US persons, even if they are resident in the UK.

    Already have a Smart Investor account?

    You can buy this Ready-made Investment using an existing account.

    Buy Ready-made Investment
  • Adventurous

    Adventurous

    • Risk level: Our highest risk fund – it’s for those who can afford to take the biggest risk of loss for the chance of getting the biggest reward
    • It contains: 2% cash, 11% bonds and 87% shares. These numbers may change as our experts make the most of short-term opportunities.
    • It’s like: riding down a mountain – you could suffer serious harm but the exhilaration could be worth it
    Image of portfolio chart - please see the accessible table version further down the page.
    Discrete 5 year performance (%)

    Year from 31 March February

    2016-17

    2017-18

    2018-19

    2019-20

    2020-21

    Global Markets 5

    22.45%

    3.97%

    7.07%

    -7.49%

    33.68%

    Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Looking for the nuts and bolts? We’ve put together these documents that you should read before you invest.

    KIID [PDF, 182KB], Factsheet [PDF, 228KB], you can also read the Value Assessment here [PDF, 683KB]

    They’ll tell you about the fund, explain how our experts have created it and its associated risks.

    You can sell your fund and access your cash at any time, but remember your investment should be for the long term (at least five years) as you could get back less than you invested if you sell at any time. This is particularly likely if you sell after only a short term of investment.

    How much will your Ready-made Investment cost?

    The total cost is the combination of our product, customer and transaction fees.

    Product fees = 0.45% per year*. The ongoing cost of managing your investment.

    Customer fees = 0.2% per year or a minimum of £4 per month. The cost of running your account and safekeeping your investments.

    Online transaction fees = £3 or £1 if made as a regular investment. The cost you’ll pay every time you buy or sell an investment.

    *This cost is deducted from the value of the fund, not charged as a cash payment like the customer fee. When a fund buys and sells assets it will also incur Transaction costs. These aren’t included in the product fees.

    Holding value

    Total ongoing cost (excluding fund transaction costs)

    £5,000

    £5.88 per month

    £10,000

    £7.75 per month

    £15,000

    £9.63 per month

    Ready to buy?

    Open a new Smart Investor account

    You can choose from two types of account. Once your account is open, you can buy your chosen Ready-made Investment.

    Investment ISA

    The most popular account people chose when they start to invest.

    You can pay in up to £20,000 per tax year

    Any returns you make are tax-free.

    Tax rules can change in future and their effects on you will depend on your individual circumstances.

    Open an Investment ISA
    No log in? Apply here

    Investment Account

    A flexible account which you might want to consider if you’ve already used your ISA allowance for the current tax year OR you’re already paying into an ISA with another provider.

    No limits on the amount you can invest.

    The return you make on your investments will be taxable but there are allowances that may mean you don’t pay tax, or it is reduced.

    Open Investment Account
    No log in? Apply here

    Smart Investor is an investment service for UK residents aged 18 or over. The service is not available to US persons, even if they are resident in the UK.

    Already have a Smart Investor account?

    You can buy this Ready-made Investment using an existing account.

    Buy Ready-made Investment

Other ways to invest

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Plan & Invest

Plan & Invest is a service which creates and manages a personalised Investment Plan just for you. Whether your long-term goal is your child’s university education, retirement or just building a nest egg, all you have to do is tell us a bit about yourself and then, if you’re ready to invest, let our experts select and manage your investments.

Go to Plan & Invest

View the accessible version of our charts

Need some help?

Call us

If you have any questions, you can give us a call on 0800 279 36671.