Also: unit trust (UK), mutual fund (USA). Entity in which investors pool their capital for joint investment. The assets are managed by the fund management company for the account of the investors based as a rule on the principle of risk distribution. Depending on the type of investment fund, the assets may be invested in securities, money market instruments or in real estate; investments can also be made in special fund products and asset allocation funds. Swiss investment funds must have a variable capital and are obliged to redeem units whenever requested. See also securities fund, money market fund, real estate fund, country-specific fund, regional fund, sector fund.