Testing the water during market volatility

Many people choose to invest their money in cash funds when the market goes through a period of uncertainty.

This low risk approach doesn't necessarily make for the best returns in the long term, but it provides an alternative option for clients who may be deterred by volatility in financial markets.

Standard Life has added a new feature to their Capital Investment Bond (CIB) that allows clients to take a more cautious approach to fund switching. The Phased Investment option works by switching pre-arranged amounts every three months from the Standard Life Sterling Fund into other funds of the client's choice.

Iain McLeod, Head of Savings & Investments at Standard Life explains, "The Phased Investment option on our bond means that clients can now invest their money in our Standard Life Sterling Fund and then gradually phase their money into potentially riskier funds. This can help to reduce the timing risk associated with switching the whole investment on the same day

This feature has been launched to provide additional flexibility in uncertain markets and to meet the needs of our advisers and clients."