Do you want to invest in Technology stocks and shares? You’re not alone, as the tech industry continues to be a booming trade, especially as post-lockdown society is relying more and more on technology to support society. So – if you’re looking for a good investment opportunity within a tax efficient ISA wrapper.
Apple Inc. started in a garage, and today it is one of the world’s leading technology companies. Those who had shares early on are now the proud owners of shares worth trillions of pounds. It’s an industry where investment has the potential to generate incredibly strong returns if you back the right product – so getting in via the tax-efficient wrapper of an ISA is a good way to begin your investments in the technology industry.
What is a Technology Stocks and Shares ISA?
This is essentially what it says on the tin: it’s an investment which is kept within the tax-efficient wrapper of an ISA, specifically focusing investments and funds within the technology industry.
Because it is an ISA, the returns which are generated from these investments are kept safe from the tax man. Every UK citizen is permitted to invest up to £20,000 per tax year in an ISA, the returns from which are not subject to capital gains tax.
What’s included within a Technology Stocks and Shares ISA?
The technology industry includes a wide range of industries, including:
- Computing technologies: this involves both development and improvement of laptops and desktops as well as software development. Included in this industry are companies such as Microsoft and Fell, which are constantly innovating to improve the tech they produce.
- Internet technologies: the internet has become a part of daily life for the majority of people in the United Kingdom, as well as worldwide. The giants of Amazon and Google has played a huge part in commercial activity, making online shopping an easy one-click activity.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI technology is a fast-growing innovative industry, which is still at an early level but is constantly changing and growing.
- Blockchain Technology: This is the industry behind the development of virtual currencies – e.g. Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies (as they can also be known) are not the only use of blockchain, which includes use by the healthcare sector who are utilising this technology to store patient records.
- Cloud Technology: The cloud technology is a form of storage online which allows users to store large amounts of data – within this market, there are big players including household names like Google, Amazon and Microsoft.
- Smartphone Device Technology: touch-screen smartphones flooded the market following the creation of the Apple iPhone, and the majority of tech companies that create mobile phones have created their own versions, developing a very competitive market.
Why Invest In A Technology Fund Within An ISA?
Whether you should invest or not is up to you, and your circumstances, but a few things to consider include:
Can I invest in a technology fund within an ISA? Yes you can. Options include technology tracker funds, investment trusts and ETFs.
Charges – Passive funds will tend to have the lowest charges. Actively managed funds will be more expensive.
Past performance – You can look at past performance typically over the last 5 years.
As with all investing – it is important to make sure the fund is line with your requirements, your values and you are comfortable with the risk profile.
The nature of the investment market is that you could theoretically get less money back than you put in. This is why you need to examine your risk profile before you invest – to make sure you’re comfortable investing before you take that step. If you’re not comfortable, then looking at other ISA options, such as a Cash ISA, may be for you.
Where can I find one?
There are quite a few different providers which give options you can invest in, including:
- Legal & General FTSE Global Technology Index Tracker Fund
- Polar Capital Technology Trust PLC
- Allianz Global Investors Technology Trust PLC