Top investment opportunities in the UK
‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ once declared the famous American polymath, Benjamin Franklin.
Indeed, history is littered with decisions which, without the benefit of hindsight, have proven to be astonishing calls – both positive and negative.
The dotcom bubble at the turn of the century, for example, made a lot of people wealthy, while others rued missed opportunities. The burst of that bubble, similarly, brought with it winners and losers.
Of course, the benefit of hindsight is not available when we look at investment opportunities but, as Franklin alluded to, that’s not to say that sound logic, forecasting, and expert guidance can’t increase the likelihood of a positive return on any investments entered into.
With investment opportunities now available at the click of the button and stories of incredible bull runs abound – think the volatile world of cryptocurrencies – it’s tempting to dive straight in.
However, it’s always prudent to take a step back and take a look at the investment opportunities out there, as well as identifying which may be right for you.
Here are three UK-based investment opportunities which could bear fruit in 2024 and beyond.
ISAs
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are a great way to maximise your wealth.
Split into four types – Cash; Stocks and Shares; Innovative Finance; and Lifetime – ISAs offer flexibility and can cater for most spectrums of risk tolerance and are generally stable investment options, especially compared to more volatile options on the market.
One aspect of ISAs which makes them appealing to many is that you are not required to pay tax on interest accrued from an ISA.
The use of an ISA(s) will very much depend on personal circumstances and goals, so it’s worth talking to a financial adviser before committing.
There are also a number of stipulations when it comes to ISAs (such as how much you can invest during a certain period), which makes the need to consult a specialist all the more pertinent.
Bonds
Purchasing bonds can be a good option if you’re looking for steady (if not necessarily quick) returns at a lower risk.
In a nutshell, a bond is a long-term debt on the behalf of a government or corporation which is bought – which makes the investor essentially a loan-giver to the government and/or corporation concerned.
Unlike stocks and shares which can be dynamic and fluctuate, bonds are more fixed and as such offer a degree of certainty to investors.
As with any investment, however, there are of course risks and it’s important these are known and acknowledged ahead of any bond purchase.
IPOs
An Initial Public Offering (IPO) can be very tempting for investors or would-be investors due to their potential.
In essence, an IPO occurs when a private company sells shares in the company to the public.
The holy grail, of course, is investing in a start-up or small company which then explodes – giving investors a potentially life-changing return on investment as the company’s value soars.
But of course, for every potential upside there’s a downside and such investments can be very high risk and serious due diligence should be conducted ahead of any financial commitment.
Investing is incredibly nuanced. The right investment for you depends on multiple factors ranging from your risk tolerance, how short, mid, or long-term you plan your investments to run, what you specifically want to invest in and how much you are looking to invest – among other things.
Add to this the dynamic nature of the investment landscape and it becomes apparent that the first key decision could be the expert advice you take on board from those who are experienced and knowledgeable in the field.
At Wills & Trusts, we take time to get to know our clients, their goals, values and ambitions.
Get in touch today to see how our dedicated experts can help you in your investment journey and on the way to a prosperous future.
It is, of course, only right and responsible to mention that, as with all investments, you may not get back what you put in.