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Risk warning

Capital at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future returns. The value of investments can fall as well as rise.

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Fundology is an information service. It is not investment advice. Nothing on this site, in the app or in our emails is a personal recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment, and nothing takes your circumstances into account. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to give advice, and we do not arrange or carry out transactions.

The risks every figure carries

  • The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you put in.
  • Past performance is not a guide to future returns. A fund that did well over five years can do badly over the next five.
  • Returns after inflation use the UK average (ONS CPIH). Your own costs may rise faster or slower.
  • Funds that invest in one country, one sector, smaller companies or emerging markets can move more sharply than broad funds.
  • Currency movements can increase or reduce the value of investments held in other currencies, unless the fund is hedged back to pounds.
  • Charges, platform fees and dealing costs reduce what you get back. The ongoing charge shown for a fund does not include what a platform charges you.

Higher-risk products

Leveraged and inverse products reset their multiple every day, so losses can build up quickly when they are held for longer, even if the index ends up where it started. Cryptoasset products are high risk and largely unregulated in the UK: prices can rise and fall very sharply and you could lose all the money you put in. These products are shown so that they can be understood, not because they suit most people.

Protection and tax

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) can pay compensation if an authorised firm fails. It does not cover losses because an investment fell in value. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances, and ISA, pension and tax rules can change.

Where to get help

MoneyHelper, backed by the government, gives free and impartial guidance. For a personal recommendation, speak to a financial adviser authorised by the FCA; you can check any firm on the FCA Register. Our guide on checking a firm and spotting scams explains how.

This page is kept under review and its wording may change. Questions: support.