Important information

The value of investments may fall as well as rise. You may not get back the full amount that you originally invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. There is no guarantee about the level of capital or income returns that will be generated.

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A PERFECT STORM OF ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Since the global financial crisis, investors have become increasingly risk aware - and risk averse -particularly when it comes to volatility in their investment portfolios.

As a result, many trustee boards have opted to hold significant sums in cash, as a 'safer' option. However, it's a strategy that has left them with negative returns in real terms, after taking inflation into account. And negative returns can make a serious dent in a charity's ability to deliver on its mission.

GET COMFORTABLE WITH RISK AND VOLATILITY

No charity wants to lose money, but the alternative option of investing - and risking - their financial resources can feel intimidating for trustees who lack significant investment expertise. Volatility-based management is one way of helping these investors to understand - and feel comfortable with - and the level of risk and volatility in their portfolio.

A DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO CAN HELP SMOOTH RETURNS

A volatility-based portfolio is made up of a range of different asset classes, including equities (shares), fixed interest (bonds) and alternative investments (investments in hedge funds, real estate, etc). By diversifying in this way, the investment manager aims to create a portfolio that will perform relatively well in different market conditions. This approach can make trustees feel more comfortable because while their returns will not necessarily match equity markets in good years, neither should they see significant losses in bad years.

JUDGE YOUR RETURNS BY YOUR GOALS AND RISK APPETITE

Volatility-based management is not about comparing your returns with those of other investors, Instead, it's about investing in line with your charity's specific needs, and its attitudes to risk and volatility. This should result in an investment that behaves as you expect, helping you build your confidence - and your investment returns - over the long term.

Speak with a charity expert

Our free consultations are informal and informative

We’ll discuss how our investment solutions work, and which options could be a good fit. Or we can simply answer any questions you might have. You don’t have to make any commitment. We’ll simply do everything we can to help, then leave you to make up your own mind.

Start the conversation

Investment involves risk. The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and an investor may get back less than the amount invested.  There is no guarantee about the level of capital or income returns that will be generated. Past performance is not a guide to future results.