Investment companies
Investment companies buy and sell equities, bonds, and other financial
assets on behalf of their clients, and with their clients’ cash. Investors
buy a stake in a fund and their money is pooled to buy a range of assets.
Investment companies and diversification
Diversified investment companies invest in a wide range of assets and in various
securities (cash, bonds, and stocks) within each kind of asset, whereas non-
diversified companies invest in a single industry or asset. A diversified portfolio
will spread risk, and limit the impact of any market volatility.
If the property market
is expected to do well, the
fund manager might create a
portfolio with more exposure to
it. Holding an excess amount of
a particular security is known
as being “overweight.”
A fund manager will buy
commodities—income-
producing assets like gold,
natural gas, or beef not usually
traded alongside bonds and
equities. Investing in them
can be a good way of
diversifying a portfolio.
Investment
fund
A fund manager’s
objective is to create
capital growth, or
income, or both, for
their shareholders
and investors. They
assess and adjust
investments
as required.
FUND MANAGER’S FEE
INVESTORS’ INPUT
Commodities
Property
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