AIC launches guide to investment companies

- New alerts service, improved graphing functionality and enhanced
screening tools introduced for more experienced users

- See the new guide to investment companies here

The Association of Investment Companies has launched a new guide to investment companies for people who want to learn more about the key concepts of investing, the advantages of using diversified funds to invest, and the specific features of investment companies.

The guide is aimed at those who have not invested before, as well as those who have invested but have not used investment companies. With a completely new look, it replaces the previous guide to investment companies and includes a section on venture capital trusts (VCTs).

The guide is the latest in a number of additional features and tools added to the AIC’s website over the past six months, which include:

• The launch of a useful “My alerts” function. Users can opt to be notified about stock exchange announcements for their chosen investment companies, or when certain conditions are met: for example, a dividend being declared, or a share price or discount reaching a certain level. Links to relevant information come in a handy daily digest email.
• Improved performance charts which give users the ability to benchmark investment companies against the relevant AIC sector or market index in one click.
• The rollout of investment company screener to all AIC website users. Previously only available to financial advisers, the screener helps users scour the investment company universe for companies with their preferred characteristics. For the first time, users can filter by criteria such as manager tenure, equity style (value versus growth) and dividend frequency, then compare their chosen investment companies side by side.
• Dynamic searching, making it easier to find relevant information on an investment company or topic within the AIC website.
• The launch of tutorials covering some of the website’s most popular tools, guiding users through them step by step.

All these tools and services are free for all users.

Richard Stone, Chief Executive of the Association of Investment Companies, said: “Interest in investing is arguably greater than ever among younger generations, and investment providers need to rise to the challenge of providing information in an accessible and comprehensible way. Our new guide to investment companies includes clear and simple explanations, with glossary videos to explain key terms. Beginning by assuming no previous knowledge of investing, it discusses the advantages of investing through diversified funds, then the benefits and risks that are specific to investment companies. There is also a section on venture capital trusts (VCTs).

“We hope this guide will help more people feel confident about taking the first steps on their investing journey.”

Coming soon

New company profile pages will be launched on the AIC’s website soon. These contain a number of enhancements, including links to relevant articles and third-party research on AIC member investment companies.

-ENDS-

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Notes to editors

1. 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 closed-ended investment companies, incorporating investment trusts and other closed-ended investment companies and VCTs. The AIC’s members believe that the industry is best served if it is united and speaks with one voice. The AIC’s mission statement is to help members add value for shareholders over the longer term. The AIC has 360 members and the industry has total assets of approximately £278 billion.
2. Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation and it is not an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity. You should seek independent financial and, if appropriate, legal advice as to the suitability of any investment decision. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of investment company shares, and the income from them, can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the full amount invested and, in some cases, nothing at all.
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