Investing in fund units creates exposure to a whole range of investments made by that fund – usually it is a diversified portfolio of securities, such as stocks or bonds, or other assets, such as commodities. Investing in fund units can be a suitable option for investors who want to diversify their portfolio and benefit from professional management of their investments.
Reasons to invest
Investing in fund units can be a suitable option for investors who want to diversify their portfolio and benefit from professional management of their investments.
Risks to consider
Investing in fund units carries several risks, including:
Market risk: The value of fund units can be impacted by fluctuations in the stock and bond markets. Changes in market conditions, economic conditions, and global events can all impact the value of fund units.
Management risk: The performance of a fund is largely dependent on the skills and experience of its investment manager. Poor investment decisions can negatively impact the value of fund units.
Diversification risk: A fund may have concentrations in certain sectors, countries, or assets, which can increase the risk of the fund’s performance being impacted by events specific to that sector, country, or asset.
Liquidity risk: In times of market turmoil or investor redemptions, the fund may be forced to sell securities to meet demand, potentially leading to realized losses.
Fee and expense risk: Funds typically charge management fees and incur other expenses, which can eat into returns.
It’s important to understand the investment objectives, risk profile, and fees associated with a fund before investing, and to consider the investment goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation before making any investment decisions. Diversifying investments across multiple funds and asset classes can also help reduce risk.
Public vs private
Both public and private fund investments are possible. Private investments, however, normally have lower liquidity.