We have summarised the main investment types below.
Please note
The value of your investment when using any investment type could go down as well as up, and you could get back less than you originally invested.
Deposit
Think of it like a savings account. You leave (or deposit) your money with a financial institution and it earns interest. It's low-risk, but if interest rates are very low, returns will be low too. And if they are lower than the plan charge then returns could be negative.
Corporate bonds
Effectively, you lend money to a company for a set time at a set interest rate. The returns are predictable, with more chance of them growing than deposits. The main risk is that the company goes bankrupt without paying back the loan. Even so, bonds tend to be less volatile than shares.
Government Bonds (or gilts)
Like corporate bonds, but you're lending to the government. People see gilts as low-risk, because the government is unlikely to go bankrupt. Like corporate bonds, gilts are less volatile than shares and the chances of returns growing are better than with deposits.
There are two main types of property funds.
Direct Property Funds
Here, you're investing in a range of properties, like shopping centres, offices or factories. You might not be able to cash in your investment when you want to if the property doesn't sell quickly. And the true value only becomes clear once a buyer agrees a price.
Property Security Funds
Here, you're investing in property companies. Like shares, the price of these funds can go up or down suddenly. Compared to direct property funds, you're more likely to be able to cash in your investment when you want to.
Mixed assets
Some funds invest in a mixture of things, like shares, property or cash. The aim is that if one doesn't perform so well then the damage won't be as bad because you've spread your risk.
Specialist
Some funds invest in other things, which might suit you depending on the sort of investor you are and what you want to achieve. They include foreign exchange or commodities like grain, gold or oil. We'd recommend talking to an adviser if you're interested in these.