Investing Basics
A plain-English introduction to investing. These guides are for anyone who wants to understand the core ideas behind investing — including risk, diversification, ISAs, SIPPs and long-term planning — before making any decisions.
All content is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.
What you'll find here
This section is designed for readers who are new to investing or want a clearer understanding of how it works. You do not need any prior knowledge. These guides cover the essential ideas in plain language.
What investing means and why people do it
The difference between shares, funds and ETFs
What investment risk means in practice
Why diversification matters
How your time horizon affects your choices
How compound interest can work over time
Suggested reading order
Follow this path if you're new and want to build your knowledge step by step.
All Investing Basics articles
Browse the full set of guides in this section.
What Is Investing?
Understand what investing means, why people invest, and the difference between saving and investing.
Shares vs ETFs vs Funds: What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between shares, ETFs and funds, and when you might use each one.
What Is an ETF?
A plain-English explanation of exchange-traded funds and how they work.
Investment Risk Explained
Understand what investment risk means and how to think about it when investing.
Diversification Explained
Why spreading your investments across different assets can matter for long-term outcomes.
Time Horizon and Investing
Why the length of time you stay invested can be one of the most important factors.
Compound Interest Calculator: How to See the Power of Long-Term Growth
Use a compound interest calculator to see how time, returns and regular contributions can grow your money.