Stewart Ivory European Smaller Companies

Advantages: Great performance...
Disadvantages: ...until recently

...I have had an Invesco European Smaller companies unit trust for almost three years now and it has been one of the best investments I have made. This unit trust took a quarter of the money I invested in a PEP, just before PEPs were replaced by ISAs. In the time I have had it, my investment has doubled. The Smaller companies unit trust from Invesco has been a consistent performer over the last few years and, while it's value does fluctuate like any other investment, it has shown a steady state of growth and it looks like it should continue to do so. Europe appears to be a good place to invest money and the Smaller Companies unit trust, while being more volatile than European Growth fund, does have the potential for greater growth. Invesco describe this fund as being medium to high risk, so it is not for the nervous but it is a good... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Impressive growth
Disadvantages: Five and half % initial charge

...This is a large fund , managed by Rory Powe. It has been a star performer in the Invesco range of products since its launch in 1985. Provided you see a future for European growth , there is no reason why this fund should not be a bed rock of a well managed portfolio. Powe invests in technology , for example there is a large stakeholding in Nokia , but he also looks for smaller emerging companies which will represent value shares as they grow . The price of the units has fallen this year , but this is only representative of the volatility of the market , and does not reflect the under lying value of the fund.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Cheep Loans available
Disadvantages: Endless paperwork, unable to get through on the phone, EVER!

...I just thought I would write a quick review to tell you all about the Student Loans Company, I’ve had a rather unfortunate experience with them. And I thought I should warn students about this company as I know many will be applying in a month or so for loans of their own. The whole process is a long complicated matter, starting when you first want to take a loan, the company requires you to fill in a very long tedious form which asks everything from how much you have in your bank to what you have saved in your copper jar. You then have to wait for several months while they process your application and check your back ground, a word of advice to students needing a loan is to apply as soon as possible, preferably several months before they foresee themselves needing the money. I thought it was quite funny I was being sent... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful