S&S funds - Who's Best / How to compare?

Bark01

I've reached my Cash ISA limit, so I was going to open up a stocks and shares ISA.

I don't have much of a clue in regards to the stock market so was just going to put my money into a fund and let someone else worry about the individual stocks.

Is there any place I can see how different funds have historically performed?

I'm with Natwest and they offer 4 different types of fund but I can't seem to find out how they have each performed.

To be honest I don't even know who else does funds so any advice you have would be appreciated.

Thanks

dunstonh

I don't have much of a clue in regards to the stock market so was just going to put my money into a fund and let someone else worry about the individual stocks.

Remember that stocks and shares ISA doesnt have to mean stocks and shares.

Is there any place I can see how different funds have historically performed?

Unless you have a TARDIS, that isnt going to be much good for you as that only tells you how they have performed in the past. So, for example, if you look at performance of the last three years, would you expect the next 3 years of the economic cycle to be like the last 3 years? (lets hope not!)

I'm with Natwest and they offer 4 different types of fund but I can't seem to find out how they have each performed.

Bank funds are typically poor quality and expensive and you shouldnt buy your investments from them.

To be honest I don't even know who else does funds so any advice you have would be appreciated.

If you need advice then use a local IFA. Its cheaper than a bank as well as offering around 2000 unit trust/OEIC funds.

If you want to DIY instead then you need to research more than just looking at past performance. You need to look at the level of risk you are taking, how you want to invest (it sounds like you want a self balancing portfolio fund or a fund of funds) and then look at how you want to buy it.

jimjames

I use Hargreaves Lansdown Vantage ISA

Easy to choose funds and they offer very low charges on some trackers and no initial fees on many funds.

Have a look at the research on their website which may give more info. As they say past performance isn't a guide to the future but at least with a tracker you know you'll match the market

jamesd

Bark01, have a look at the Jupiter Merlin range of funds, available via Hargreaves Lansdown and many other providers. I'm assuming that you're not interested in taking an ongoing income from it, are content to see up and down variations of 20-40% a year and will be willing to leave the money invested somewhere for at least five years, though with rapid access during that time if you need it, it's not a lock-in.