Collective investment refers to the pooling of funds from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, managed by a professional fund manager. This approach allows individual investors to access a broader range of investment opportunities and benefit from economies of scale, risk diversification, and expert management.
Investment trusts are publicly listed companies that pool investors' funds to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, offering exposure to various markets and sectors. They are closed-ended, meaning they have a fixed number of shares, which can trade at a premium or discount to the net asset value based on market demand and supply.
Unit trusts are collective investment schemes that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, managed by professional fund managers. They offer investors access to a variety of asset classes while spreading risk, making them an attractive option for those seeking diversified exposure without directly managing individual investments.
Common equity represents the ownership interest held by shareholders in a company, giving them voting rights and a residual claim on assets after liabilities are settled. It is a key component of a company's capital structure and is often analyzed to assess financial health and investor returns.
Load funds charge a sales commission or fee, either at the time of purchase (front-end load) or when the fund is sold (back-end load), while no-load funds do not charge any sales fees, allowing investors to buy and sell shares without any commission. Investors should consider the impact of these fees on their overall investment returns and weigh them against the potential benefits of professional financial advice associated with load funds.