Market index following the overall performance of a selection of investments Tracker funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are investments that aim to mirror the performance of a market index. A market index follows the overall performance of a selection of investments. The FTSE 100 is an example of a market index – it includes the […]

Pooling money in one or more types of asset class Collective investment schemes – also known as ‘pooled investment funds’ – are a way of combining sums of money from many people into a large fund spread across many investments and managed by a professional fund manager.

Taking a more diverse approach to asset allocation Investment trusts are a well-established way of investing. Many investors prefer to invest in a fund rather than by picking individual stocks, shares or other assets. Funds allow you to diversify your portfolio easily, as well as giving you the chance to benefit from the expertise of […]

Transforming your investment outcomes Investing through a tax-efficient wrapper, such as an Individual Savings Account (ISA), can give a significant boost to an overall investment portfolio, but they should be blended with an appropriate investment strategy to give the best outcome.

Structuring your investment portfolio throughout life If low interest rates continue to remain, it really matters where you invest your money. Investing for income means choosing assets that are able to provide you with a regular income. This is in contrast to investing for growth, which focuses on how much your assets could gain in value.

Staying disciplined and sticking to your plan is key The overall direction of developed stock markets is a relentless and continual rise in value over the very long term, punctuated by falls. It’s important not to let global uncertainties affect your financial planning for the years ahead. Individuals who stop their investment planning, particularly during market […]

Importance of mitigating key investment risks Asset allocation depends on your goals, your attitude to risk, your capacity for loss and market conditions. Understanding investment risk and determining what level of risk you feel comfortable with before you invest is an important part of the investment-decision process. Potential returns available from different kinds of investment, […]

Eroding the purchasing power of your money The impact of inflation on savings and investments, especially of those retirees living on a fixed income, is an important issue. But it’s also not good news for other savers and investors, as it can erode the purchasing power of money.

Workers extend their careers for a multitude of reasons When do you plan to retire? Saving for your retirement is a lifelong undertaking – and if you want to enjoy a comfortable retirement, you can’t start planning soon enough. The more you contribute to a pension now, the better chance you’ll have of that money […]

Make your vision a reality Exactly how much you’ll need for a comfortable retirement will depend largely on your cost of living and lifestyle choices. For many people, retirement is about sun-soaked holidays, leisurely rounds of golf and that boat they’ve always coveted.