Investment trusts are companies that invest in the shares of other companies.
They pool investors' money and employ a professional fund manager to invest in the shares of a wider range of companies than most people could practically invest in themselves. This way even people with small amounts of money can gain exposure to a diversified and professionally run portfolio of shares, spreading the risk of stockmarket investment.
There are over 300 investment trusts responsible for the management of billions of pounds' worth of assets on behalf of investors.

	Allow you to pool your money
	Allow you to spread your risk
	Use professional managers’ expertise
	May have low charges
	Allow you to invest small amounts