When deciding on your optimum investment strategy St James International recommends an independent and in depth analysis of your overall objectives. Whether, when and how these will be achieved depends upon the detail of the questions posed at this stage.

These should include:-

• The level of risk you are prepared to accept [The art of investment management is, in a sense no more than getting the balance right for your personal needs between risk and reward].
• The proposed duration of your investment.
• The level of return you hope to achieve.

Once you have clearly defined your investment objectives, you will be better placed to make informed decisions aimed at meeting those goals. There are still further factors however, which should also be evaluated before making your final decision, including:-

• Any tax implications when choosing an investment.
• Whether you wish your investment to generate income.
• The costs and flexibility of the investment.