Investment Summary

twr18

Although there is alot of information on MSE about savings, I feel there is a lack of information about investments.
How about we start a sticky thread of types of investments and when they are appropriate based on costs, risks and likely returns. A fairly breif summary will do for each. The FAQ section doesnt really help because there is no breif introduction to the types of investments available. It will stop people posting "I've got X amount to invest, what would be best?"

Anyone think this is a good idea? If so, post your knowledge! If not, air your views.

Chrismaths

I think the forum ought to be split into savings accounts, and investments.

Debt_Free_Chick

I agree with Chrismaths, but we'll still end up with posts on the wrong board. All too often people ask how they should invest £10k, but then it turns out they really want a savings account. Still, posts could be moved.

I also think that MSE is a little too strict about what they think constitutes "advice". I understand the FSA and it's limitations (as my employer is FSA regulated, though I am not) .... but we could debate much more than we are sometimes allowed to.

Yes a sub-board for "non-cash" investments, please.

twr18

So the reason that there is little investment advice, mainly savings advice is because of FSA regulations?

Would that stop individuals posting on here? It wouldnt be advice on who to invest with, just a summary of types of investments available. It wouldnt even have to include company names.

dunstonh

twr18 wrote:

So the reason that there is little investment advice, mainly savings advice is because of FSA regulations?

Would that stop individuals posting on here? It wouldnt be advice on who to invest with, just a summary of types of investments available. It wouldnt even have to include company names.

Dont we get that already though?

I'm not sure there is enough posts to see another split. Although perhaps get rid of the ISA section and replace it with a savings accounts and cash ISA forum and an investments and equity ISAs forum.

Debt_Free_Chick

twr18 wrote:

So the reason that there is little investment advice, mainly savings advice is because of FSA regulations?

Essentially, yes. Investment advice is regulated by the FSA - you have to be authorised to "give advice". However, if you read the FSA or any of the guidance on the website, you will see that there are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled in order to be "guilty" of giving "advice".

People discussing what they've done and how they've invested doesn't constitute advice. Masquerading as an adviser and making specific recommendations does, however.

The danger is that some of the posts are so vague (mine included!) that they can be just as dangerous as any that make recommendations! I've seen some sweeping posts about asset allocation, for example, that make me go :eek: