What is a fund?
A fund is an investment that pools together money from lots of individuals. The fund manager then invests the money in a wide range of assets e.g. UK shares, overseas shares, bonds etc. Each investor is issued units, which represent a portion of the holdings of a fund.
Different funds specialise in different sectors - for example, if you're interested in Europe you could invest in a fund that focuses on Europe. See our most popular fund sectors.
Example fund
UK shares: 46%
Overseas shares: 24%
Corporate Bonds: 15%
Property: 7%
Funds: 5%
Other: 3%
Why invest in funds?
Fund managers choose and manage underlying investments
Benefit from the expertise, knowledge and time spent by the fund manager and their team researching and picking the best opportunities in a chosen sector.
Diversifying
Investing in funds means your money is spread across multiple assets. As some investments will perform better and some worse over time, diversifying will, in theory, help spread the risk and smooth returns over time.
Investing for the long term
We always recommend investing for at least 5 years - you have a better chance of riding out short term volatility and benefitting from greater returns.
David Smith and Lee Gardhouse, Fund Managers
Getting started
Getting started
Getting started is easy, whether you already have an account with us or are new to HL. If you're new you can open an account first and choose your funds later. Or, you can start by building your fund portfolio and then opening an account to hold it in. Invest from as little as £25 a month or with a £100 lump sum.
Stocks & Shares ISA
Shelter £20,000 from tax, with access when you need - choose from ready-made investments, do-it-yourself or get a little help from our experts.
Fund & Share Account
Build your fund and share portfolio with our flexible investment account. Free fund dealing and online share dealing from £5.95 to £11.95 per trade.
Personal Pension (SIPP)
Make more of your pension with our low-cost, award-winning account, wide investment choice, and expert research.
Sign up to receive regular updates from our team of research experts on a wide range of funds.
Read our fund research
Find out what our research team think across all the major investment sectors.
Read our sector reviewsWhy hold funds with Hargreaves Lansdown?
-
Choose from over 2,500 funds
Whether you're an experienced investor, just starting or want to leave it to an expert, you'll be able to find the right funds, with over 2,500 funds to choose from.
-
Expert fund research
Our experienced research team's knowledge and insight is available to you with regular research updates. Sign up to alerts to keep you up-to-date with the latest insight.
-
No charge to buy or sell funds
Most fund trades cost absolutely nothing and usually confirmed by the next working day. We also have an automated low cost income reinvestment service.
-
Invest from £100 or just £25 per month
Pay in on a monthly basis from £25 a month. You can choose to invest in funds, FTSE 350 shares or eligible investment trusts, or hold the money as cash until you choose what to do with it.