Investments

Whether it’s because you've won money on the lottery or built up a tidy nest egg by saving on a regular basis, your money should be wisely invested so that its spending power may be protected for the future. Leaving large amounts of money on deposit in banks or building societies may not be the most appropriate long-term answer.

Although these accounts are seen as the traditional safe haven, recent years have seen interest rates being reduced sharply and deposit accounts may not now even be keeping the value of your money in line with changes in retail price inflation.

Many people recognise that to achieve better long-term protection for their money against the effects of inflation, it is often worth considering 'equity' related investments. These are ones that are linked to changes in the value of company shares. You could gain access to the 'equity' markets either directly through buying shares or indirectly by investing in investment products such as Unit Trusts, Investment Trusts or perhaps even a Life Assurance policy.

Equity based investments do not afford the same capital security as a deposit account.

This section provides access to information on many of the available investment products. If you are considering 'equity' related investments it is important to remember that the value of your investment and the income generated from it may fall as well as rise and that there is no guarantee you will get back more than you invested.

The Financial Services Authority does not regulate advice on deposit accounts.