Two basic questions on types of funds

hallmark

Very newb questions I'm sure somebody knows the answers to:

I have some understanding of types of investments, but it's definitely flaky when it comes to the differences between certain types of funds (i.e. ITs, Unit trusts, OEICs, UCITs or things that might not be any of these (Fundsmith? Ruffer?)

Is there a definitive list anywhere of the types of funds that exist?

Is there any easy way to tell which type of fund something is? (this seems like it should be easy to determine but I haven't found an easy way yet)

thanks

jimjames

It doesn't really matter what type of funds but some you have listed aren't funds but shares. An investment trust is traded on the stock market like any other share and can vary in value separately to the underlying assets. If you look on something like HL website then it's very clear as each type of product is under its own tab. ITs come under shares.

In terms of unit trust vs OIEC it's pretty irrelevant what structure they use as they are essentially the same thing. Unit trust is an older format that has been mostly replaced.

Fundsmith is an investment manager not a fund but they do offer different funds and investment trusts.

There are only really 3 types of collective investment you need to think about. Fund managers can offer one or more of these types of investments.

Fund (OIEC or unit trust)
ETF
Investment Trust

GeoffTF

Exchange Trade Funds trade as shares too.

Albermarle

You can also use this to select the type of investment you are looking for .
Investment Finder | Compare over 2500 Investment Funds | Fidelity