The stock markets of the world never stop for a breather! Bull and bear markets may come and go but there will always be opportunities for astute investors. A wide range of offshore based unit trust and mutual funds are available to expatriates, providing access to some of the world’s leading investment specialists and managed funds.
Spread your risk by investing in passive or actively managed funds
Managed funds allow investors to pool their money with others. It is the role of the investment manager to buy and sell assets on behalf of the investors. Money can be invested in passive managed funds also known as index funds. These funds invest in a portfolio of assets that mirror a stock market index such as the FTSE 100 or Dow Jones. The aim of index funds is to track a particular market by investing in all the securities of that index.
By contrast, actively managed funds are run by a manager or team of managers that use a mixture of analytical research, forecasts, and their own judgment and experience in making investment decisions on what securities to buy, hold and sell.
Discretionary Investment Management
A range of discretionary managed funds are also available wherein managers exercises their professional discretion to buy and sell investments on behalf of the investor behalf. A discretionary management service can deliver highly tailored investment portfolios based upon individual circumstances and objectives.
For the sophisticated investor there are a selection of hedge funds and also commodity funds on offer that adopt more aggressive investment strategies with a view to reducing risk and maximizing return.
Investors who prefer a more diversified portfolio can opt for the “managed currency fund” service. In addition, clients have access to ‘Capital Guarantee Funds’ that provide protection to the risk averse investor against falling markets.
If you would like further information on managed funds, please go to Financial health-check