Our fund types
Defining the various fund types
Our fund types
Fund types for Aviva and ex-Friends Life are defined below. Our fund centre will also show you in which category the ABI or IA place the funds (called a ‘fund sector’). If you have a collective investment fund with Aviva or Ex-Friends Life, learn the details here.
Fund types
We categorise our funds using a list of 'fund types' so that similar types of funds can be compared more easily. We also assign each fund a risk/return rating to help you understand the investment risk - see the definitions here.
These fund types are mainly decided by the types of ‘asset class’ a fund invests in. An asset is anything of value that can be invested in.
Assets with similar characteristics are grouped together to form ‘asset classes’. There are four main asset classes – equities (shares), cash, bonds and property – each with different pros and cons.
An investment fund will invest in one or more asset classes. We categorise a fund based on what type and share of asset class/classes it invests in. For example, funds in the ’Equities’ category will mainly invest in equities. Some funds may also belong to more than one category. For example, an equity fund that aims to follow a specific stock market index will also be in the 'Tracker' category.
Knowing what category your funds are in lets you compare one fund with another of a similar nature. The funds available for your plan can be filtered by fund type in the Fund Centre.
Remember that for ex-Friends Life funds, the management of your funds hasn’t changed. You can still access a fund that suits your needs and helps you meet your investment objective – whatever that may be.
A balanced approach
Some investors like to spread their investments across funds that invest in shares, fixed interest, property and money markets, as well as in assets located across different parts of the world. This aims to reduce the overall risk of their total investments and is known as ‘diversification’. The fund range available to you includes funds that invest across different asset classes and geographic regions.
There is no guarantee that selecting funds that combine asset classes will be more beneficial than investing in single asset class funds, as all funds carry an element of risk.
What you need to think about when it comes to risk
Please remember that the value of your investments can go down as well as up, and may be worth less than the amount paid in.
Before making any investment you need to consider your personal financial situation and what you want to get out of your investment.
Your financial adviser will help you assess your financial situation, needs and your attitude to risk.
View our fund range
Remember to read all the important information before visiting our fund centre and viewing the entire range.
Looking for something else?
We have a range of products for you to invest in.
Please remember, the value of your investments can go down as well as up and may be worth less than was invested. Tax treatment is subject to change and individual circumstances.
Retirement articles
Take a look at our library of helpful articles and guides.
Your decade-by-decade guide to pension saving
Read more
How annuity rates are calculated
Annuities give you a guaranteed income for the rest of your life. But exactly how much could you get?
Find out more
Are you making the most of your pension tax relief?
Everyone’s entitled to tax relief when they pay into a pension. Even non-taxpayers. So, what can you pay in and how much tax relief will you get?
Read more
Explore financial advice with confidence
This short video explains how our financial advice service works, the value and benefits, and how easy it is to arrange a no-obligation chat to decide on the next step.
Watch our video and learn the process
We've made a huge difference to Jennifer
Jennifer wasn't keen on taking financial advice at first. Find out how we changed her mind and soon put her in a much better financial position.
The final piece of the puzzle
6 ways to take control of your retirement planning
When planning your retirement, there are lots of things to consider, so here’s a checklist to get you started.
Use the checklist
Stop your pension from running out early
How to make your retirement savings last a lifetime when taking a flexible income using drawdown.
Take control back
Flexible pension withdrawals: 7 factors to consider
With greater flexibility over our pension savings in retirement, there’s more to consider before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
Be prepared
When could equity release be the right solution?
We explain the different options for equity release, looking at the pros and cons of lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.
Read more
Understanding your pension statement
Learn how to read your pension statement to plan your finances, understand charges, explore your investments and more.
Your pension statements explained
What is equity release?
Equity release is a big financial commitment, so understanding what it would mean for you and your family is really important.
Understanding equity release
The value of financial advice
Where do you begin when it comes to seeking financial advice? Explore the difference between advice and guidance, independent and restricted in our financial advice guide.
Explore more
Find your lost pensions
If you think you may have lost track of a pension pot, you shouldn’t worry. There’s a free government agency here to help.
Discover more
The world of pensions
Find out about the different types of pension and how they can help you enjoy a happy and secure retirement.
Learn about pensions
Pensions jargon buster
Some pension terms can be a bit technical – or a bit vague. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Understand your pension
How the State Pension works
Discover when you can claim your State Pension and how much it’s likely to be worth.
Find out how your State Pension works