Putting all your investment eggs in one basket is a risky strategy – and one that most investors cannot afford to take. To spread your risk, you need a mix of short and long-term, high and low risk investments across a range of asset classes (usually cash, bonds, property and shares). This process is known as diversification. Of course, the exact balance of these investments within your portfolio will depend on a number of factors, including your attitude to risk, your investment time frames and goals, as well as how knowledgeable and confident an investor you are.

But when it comes to making investment decisions – as with many things in life – there is a tendency to stick with what you know. Consequently, many portfolios are heavily weighted in one asset class, leaving them vulnerable to downturns in the market. To help investors move out of their comfort zone and diversify their portfolio, we offer a wide range of products and are constantly developing new investment solutions.

The Solutions

Funds

Collective investments, such as funds, are a simple and cost-effective way of spreading risk, because the pooled money is invested in such a wide range of underlying investments. Plus they have the added benefit of being managed by a professional Fund Manager. Funds should be viewed as a mid to long term investment. If you're not prepared to invest in a fund for more than 5 years, then it might not be the right investment for you.

Money market funds are an attractive alternative to cash. Their objectives often include providing a better return than interest paid on cash balances. However, the income earned can vary and is not guaranteed. Their capital values too can fall.

Find out more about the BGI Liquidity First Fund  

iShares

Combining the flexibility of shares with diversification of a fund, iShares are Exchange Traded Funds from Barclays. They work like tracker index funds, but can be traded like shares on the London Stock Exchange and are a straightforward way of gaining exposure to a range of indices. Remember, iShares should be viewed as a mid to long term investment. If you're not prepared to invest in an iShare for more than 5 years, then it might not be the right investment for you.

Investment Notes

These innovative, tradable structured products provide exposure to a wide range of asset classes, market indices and geographic sectors. They can also provide the opportunity for growth along with varying degrees of capital protection, if held to maturity.The price and value of investments fluctuates and you may get back less than you invested. Though in some notes there may be provision that your capital will be re-paid at the maturity date.

Gilts & Bonds

Gilts and bonds are the fixed-interest-paying investments issued by the Government and companies. They are a form of debt issued to raise money. If you buy one you are, in effect, lending money to the issuer. In return, the issuer promises to pay you a set rate of interest each year and to repay your capital at a set date in the future.

Bonds issued by the British Government, called gilts, are as good as guaranteed. But corporate bonds, issued by companies, are only as safe as the company that issues them.

Funds & Funds Packages     Spread your risk with our Funds Market - select from more than 700 funds from 33 funds managers. Find out more                                      Apply Now		Investment Notes     Get returns linked to the value of assets or indices, with varying levels of capital protection on maturity. Find out more                                     Apply Now
iShares     With iShares you can buy single shares in a funds so for a small investment you can buy into a diverse range of stocks and shares. Find out more Apply Now		Gilts & Bonds     Anyone who wants a lower risk investment, or a fixed income could consider investing in gilts & bonds.   Find out more

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