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Investing basics

If you’re looking to get started, you can review principles for good investing, explore investment types or take a deeper look into some of our guides that explain what investing is all about.

Important information - please keep in mind that the value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser.

Explore principles for good investing:

Risk and return

Read more about balancing the chances of a loss with the benefits of a higher return over time.

Volatility and risk

Understand the difference between volatility and risk to help deal with unnerving markets

Asset allocation

Learn more about each asset class, its possible risks and potential benefits.

Regular savings

Find out how a regular savings plan can help your money grow.

Exploring investment types

Ever wondered how some investment types (like exchange-traded funds) actually work?

Funds

A fund is a unit trust, OEIC (open-ended investment company) or any other collective investment scheme.

Explore how mutual funds work

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

Exchange-traded funds are funds that issue shares, which are traded on a stock exchange.

Explore how ETFs work

Investment trusts

Investment trusts are Public Limited Companies (PLCs) that are listed on a stock exchange, so investors buy and sell from the market.

Explore how investment trusts work

Shares

Buy shares in a company to own a small stake in it, with the potential for capital growth, dividend income or a blend of the two.

Explore investing in shares

Visit the Fidelity Library

Explore our selection of product guides and videos, specially created to help you make the most of your investments—from choosing the right account, to finding out more about how your investments may be taxed.

View all our guides
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