Types of investment

  1. Categories
  2. Saving and Investing
  3. Types of investment

Hedge funds

Hedge funds are usually only open to the super-rich or to financial institutions with millions to invest – but other people can invest in certain funds which themselves invest in hedge funds. If you...

Tax and property investment

You can invest in property in two ways – directly or indirectly. Both ways involve some complicated financial issues, and one of those is tax. You should do your best to minimise tax to get the most...

Popular investments at a glance

The most popular types of investments are investment funds where your money is pooled with other investors and spread across a variety of different investments. This is called ‘diversification’ an...

Venture Capital Trusts

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are listed companies that are run by a fund manager and which, in turn, invest mainly in smaller companies that are not quoted on stock exchanges. ...

Investing in shares

Shares are one of the four main investment types, along with cash, bonds and property. They carry risk, but they can offer the highest returns. Here you can find out what they are, how to invest in sh...

Community Shares

All enterprises need money to start, grow, and be sustainable. However, it can be difficult for local businesses or enterprises to find the capital they need. Community Shares (also known as Withdrawa...

Investment trusts

An investment trust is a company that raises money by selling shares to investors and then pools that money to buy and sell a wide range of shares and assets. Different investment trusts will have dif...

Stocks and shares ISAs

Since July 2014, ISAs (‘New ISAs’) can be used to hold stocks and shares or cash, or any combination of these, up to the current annual limit (£20,000). An ISA is a ‘wrapper’ that can be used...

With-profits funds

If you save regularly or invest a lump sum using a life insurance policy, you might choose to invest in a with-profits fund. These aim to give you a return linked to the stock market but with fewer up...

Investment bonds

Investment bonds are life insurance policies where you invest a lump sum in a variety of available funds. Some investment bonds run for a fixed term, others have no set investment term. When you cash ...

Endowment policies

An endowment policy is an investment product that you buy from a life assurance company. They are set up as regular savings plans and at the end of a set period pay out a lump sum. The policy includes...

Children's Bonds

National Savings and Investments (NS&I) Children’s Bonds used to allow you to invest a lump sum on behalf of a child under 16. However, as of 30 September 2017 these saving bonds are no longer avail...

Lifetime ISA FAQ

Want to know more about Lifetime ISAs? In this guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Do my Lifet...

Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies

There are literally hundreds of different cryptocurrencies available, and all have different values. Think of them as a type of unregulated digital money although most are not particularly easy to spe...

Find an adviser

If you decide you want financial advice, you can begin your search for the most appropriate regulated financial adviser for you by simply entering your postcode below: