Contents Glossary Guide to Investment Companies Explore how investment companies work, and start to discover which one might be the right investment for you. The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) was founded in 1932 to represent the interests of the investment trust industry – the oldest form of collective investment. Today, the AIC represents a broad range of investment companies, incorporating investment trusts, VCTs and other closed-end funds. Investment companies are a way to make a single investment that gives you a share in a much larger portfolio. A type of collective investment, they let you spread your risk and access investment opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own. This guide is designed for investors without much experience, or people who haven’t considered investment companies as an option yet. Already know the basics? Find and compare investment companies Contents New to investing? How to get started Common mistakes Risk vs. rewards What are funds and why invest in them? What are investment companies? What are investment companies (investment trusts)? Different types of investment companies, shares and securities Why choose investment companies? Choosing an investment company Choosing an investment company Investment company performance figures and what they mean Sector classification Costs How to invest Ways to invest Getting financial advice ISAs, SIPPs and saving for children Platforms VCTs VCTs Consumer guides Consumer guides How to get started Home Contact us Glossary Terms of use Privacy policy Cookie policy Designed and developed by Moore-Wilson Follow us