Fundamentals of investing

Depositing cash in a savings account often appears to be the safest option for your money. However, over time, where interest earned on cash is less than inflation, the purchasing power of your money can gradually start to erode.

Investing is a powerful way to use your money to grow your wealth and achieve your financial goals. Find out why you should consider it.

There are several types of asset class. Find out more about some of the most commonly selected investments.

Spreading risk is one of the most important principles of investing, not only between several different investment types (also known as asset classes), but also between the stocks and shares (equities) of different companies.

Volatility is the rate at which the price of a financial asset (e.g. a stock) increases or decreases over a particular period. When there is higher stock price volatility, this can often mean higher risk.

Obtaining an investment return higher than cash deposits will involve taking risk. To meet your longer-term objectives, you may have to be prepared to take on a higher level of risk than you have historically.