Types of investments

Savings accounts

Savings accounts with New Zealand’s major banks are one of the most common and least risky ways to store money for the short term. Credit unions and building societies also offer savings accounts.

When we deposit money in an account we are actually lending it to the bank, which pays us some interest in return. The interest rate is relatively low, so savings accounts are not the best option for long-term growth. Find out more in our guide to bank savings.

Term deposits

Like savings accounts, term deposits also pay interest. The difference is that we agree to lend money to the bank for a fixed period of time such as 6 or 12 months, in return for a higher rate of interest.

Sometimes we can’t withdraw the money during the term of the investment. In other cases we can, but we get paid a lower rate of interest. Term deposits are sometimes called ‘fixed interest’ investments. Find out more in our guide to term deposits.

Bonds

A bond is like an IOU issued by a government, council, or company. We lend them money for a number of years, and they promise to pay a certain interest rate – called a coupon. The level of risk involved when investing in bonds depends on whoever’s issuing them.

Unlike term deposits, we can sell bonds early. However, the price we will get can go up and down. Bonds are also sometimes called fixed interest investments. Find out more in our guide to bonds

Investments are often called assets, and different kinds of investments such as bonds and shares are called asset classes.

When we buy a share, we’re buying a small part of a company. If that company makes money, we may be paid a share of the profit, called a dividend. Like house prices, share prices are generally expected to go up over time and give a ‘capital gain’ on our money when we sell. However, prices can fall in value as well. Find out more in our guide to shares.

Most investors should aim for a mix of investments to smooth out the ups and downs in value that typically happen

Property

Returns from investing in property come from rental income and from any increase in the value of property over time – called capital gain. Some people view their own home as an investment because it may grow in value; however, it doesn’t bring in the income that letting property to other individuals or businesses does. It is also important to factor in the interest paid on a mortgage when assessing the potential for capital gain. We can invest in commercial property directly, or through managed funds. Find out more in our guide to property investment.

Managed funds and KiwiSaver

A managed fund is a financial product that buys a number of shares and other investments such as property, term deposits and cash. The buying decisions are made by expert managers. KiwiSaver is an example of this investment type. All of us in KiwiSaver are already investing in a type of managed fund.

When we buy units in a managed fund we are spreading our savings across a range of shares or other investments within the fund. That means that our money is 'diversified’ and our eggs aren’t all in one basket. Find out more in our guide to managed funds

Alternatives

Alternatives is a broad term often used to describe types of investments that fall outside the standard asset classes of cash, bonds, shares and property. Alternatives include commodities, currency and derivatives.

Commodities (including gold)

These types of investments don’t pay interest or dividends, but do increase and decrease in value, which can result in a capital gain. The value of commodities often moves in the opposite direction of other asset classes (e.g. when share prices go down, gold often increases in value, and vice versa), so investors sometimes buy them to try to protect their money.

Currency (foreign exchange)

As well as being used to buy goods and services, foreign currency is also used as an investment. Currency investors are looking for higher interest rates overseas, or hoping exchange rates will move in their favour resulting in a capital gain. Investors, including managed funds, may also use currency to protect, or ‘hedge’, other investments that are invested overseas. The Financial Markets Authority has more information about forex trading.

Derivatives (including options and futures)

Derivatives are generally only used by more sophisticated investors, such as managed funds. This can be a confusing and complex area of investing. However, derivatives are built on a fairly simple concept - allowing people to protect themselves, or ‘hedge’, against future price movements. For example a farmer can fix the price today, for the milk they will supply in the future. While at the same time, a supermarket owner can fix the price now for the milk they will receive in the future.

Professional investors still use derivatives for this purpose, but can now also use them to invest more efficiently.

Other alternatives

Other alternative investment types can include things such as private equity, hedge funds, fine wine, exotic cars and stamps. There are different reasons for buying each one, but, as with all investments, their value can go up or down.

Investing by lending our money on a peer-to-peer lending platform or participating in equity crowdfunding are other ways of investing and earning a return. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has more information and peer-to-peer lending.

Hybrids

Capital notes, perpetual subordinated notes and other hybrid securities have some features of both bonds and shares. They're often issued by well-known banks, but they are generally riskier and may not be suitable for many. Here’s more about capital notes from the FMA.

Find out which investments suit your goals

Head to our guide on finding out your investor type. Knowing what type of investor you are will help you understand which investments are best suited to your goals.