Investments

Investment guide


Putting your money to work

The nine investment funds available either aim for growth or to pay you an income, or a combination of the two, by putting your money where it can work for you. Your investment will be actively managed by experts from some of the most trusted names in the investments industry.

 

Risk ratings explained

Low (cautious) risk

Funds in this category tend to be income funds. They will predominantly invest in fixed interest securities, however there may be some exposure to equities. Although the capital value of your investment can move up and down, it is normally less volatile than that experienced from funds investing solely in equities.

Medium (balanced) risk

In this category funds tend to invest in equities as the means of meeting their objective to provide capital growth. However, some funds will invest in a mixture of equities and fixed interest securities so as to reduce the overall risk and provide some income. Growth funds look to control the risk through the careful management of a diverse portfolio of shares, however they are still fully exposed to the risk of the stock market.

High (adventurous) risk

In order to improve the opportunity for growth, you can invest in funds that focus on particular overseas markets or on segments of the market (e.g. smaller companies). Although these funds still invest in equities they are often considered more risky because they may be exposed to the additional risk of currency movements and the portfolios may be less diversified as they focus on a narrower range of investments.

 

Want to transfer your existing ISA to us?

If you have existing ISA's with another provider you can transfer them to us so that all of your ISA's are held in one place. You can transfer both cash ISA's and stocks and shares ISA's to us from the current tax year and/or previous tax years.

Learn more

 

ISA subscription limits

Because of their tax advantages ISAs are subject to annual subscription limits. The overall ISA subscription limit is £11,280 for the current Tax Year. Up to £5,640 of this overall limit can be saved in a cash ISA with one provider. The remainder of the £11,280 can be invested in a stocks and shares ISA with either the same or another provider. Alternatively, the full £11,280 can be invested in a stocks and shares ISA with one provider.

Any returns within an ISA are tax efficient because they are free from any personal liability to UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Bear in mind however the favourable tax status of ISAs may not be maintained in the future. The value of tax advantages depends on individual circumstances.

The value of investments (and any income received from them) can fall as well as rise and you may not get back what you invested. For some investments this can also happen as a result of exchange rate fluctuations as shares and funds may have an exposure to overseas markets.

Most investments should be considered as a medium to long-term commitment, meaning you should be prepared to hold them for at least five years.

The value of any tax benefits described depends on your individual circumstances. Tax rules may change in the future.

 

Which investment is right for you?

We can't give advice on the range of investment products we offer. So if you are in any doubt as to the suitability of the investments we offer, or require advice, you should seek the advice of an independent financial adviser.

However, if you plan to invest £500 per month or £50,000 or more as a lump sum and you don't need instant access to the funds, then we can introduce you to HSBC Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) who can provide you with investment advice.

HSBC's IFAs are experts in financial planning and they're not tied to any one company's products. They simply recommend what's most appropriate for you from the whole market to help meet your particular needs and help give you the best value.

You'll also find they speak your language. The advisers are easy to talk to - and they'll spend time getting to know you, your aims and aspirations, and any concerns you may have. Then you'll get an honest assessment of your existing arrangements and a plan for the future, designed specifically for you.

first direct is a division of HSBC Bank plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

To arrange a personal review of your finances, simply call:

08 456 100 124.

Lines are open:
8.00am to 10.00pm, Monday to Friday
9.30am to 7.00pm, Saturday and Sunday*

*excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

 

Compare our funds