Investments
To invest is to allocate money (or sometimes another resource, such as time) in the expectation of some benefit in the future. There are a wide range of investments available to fit a range of risk prifiles for investors
In finance, the expected future benefit from investment is called a return (to investment). The return may consist of capital gain and/or investment income, including dividends, interest, rental income etc. The economic return to an investment is the appropriately discounted value of the future returns to the investment.
Investment generally results in acquiring an asset, also called an investment. If the asset is available at a price worth investing, it is normally expected either to generate income, or to appreciate in value, so that it can be sold at a higher price (or both).
Investors generally expect higher returns from riskier investments. Financial assets range from low-risk, low-return investments, such as high-grade government bonds, to those with higher risk and higher expected commensurate reward, such as emerging markets stock investments. Investors, particularly novices, are often advised to adopt an investment strategy and diversify their portfolio. Diversification has the statistical effect of reducing overall risk
Types of Investments
There are many different types of Investments, and all differ in how they work. Most people have heard of stocks and bonds, but there are a ton of different ways to invest your money.
- Unit Trusts and Open-Ended Investment Companies (OEICs)
- Investment bonds
- Endowment or whole of life with-profits policy
- Tax and qualifying life insurance products
- Structured Products, Structured Deposits and Structured Investments
- Buy-to-let property investments
- Stocks and shares ISAs
- Tax and property investment
- Indirect property investments
- With-profits funds
- Endowment policies
- Hedge Funds
- Spread bets and contracts for difference (CFDs)
- Venture Capital Trusts
- Investment trusts
- Alternative Investments
- Workplace investment schemes
- Fixed interest securities – gilts and corporate bonds
- Community Shares
- Tracker funds and exchange traded funds
- Art, fine wine and other collectibles as investments
- Children’s Bonds
It is important to remember that many products are only suitable for Restricted, High Net Worth or Sophisticated Investors. It is essential that you take appropriate advice before entering into any contract if you are not in a position to make your own decisions.
Do you need a financial adviser?
If you’re looking to invest, buy a financial product or plan for the longer term, whether or not you need financial advice will depend on a number of factors such as what product you are looking for, how complicated your finances and personal circumstances are and your short and long-term goals. Optimate Consulting can refer you to a suitably qualified person.
The Small Print. Optimate Consulting Ltd is an administrative hub, processing client applications on behalf of our business partners. As a result of this, we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. We are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We do not promote regulated products to the public or provide any form of financial advice on investments or pensions which are regulated by the FCA we will refer you to a suitably qualified person. Should you require Financial Advice, we recommend you contact your Financial Adviser. If you do not have a Financial Adviser we recommend you search the Financial Services Register to find an authorised firm that meets your requirements. If you require assistance on the completion of an application, please feel free to contact us. Optimate Consulting Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales company no.10249349, registered address Unit 8 & 9, Parsons Court, Welbury Way, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6