ABSTRACT
In most developed economies the dominant form of investment is indirect. Indirect investment involves individuals putting money in a fund, which then uses that money to buy shares or other securities. Typically most of the shares issued within an economy are held indirectly through various types of fund.These funds are known as institutional, or collective, investments. Pension funds, insurance funds, and mutual funds (such as unit trusts and OEICs) are major institutional investors. Direct shareholding by individuals accounts for a minority of the total number of shares held.
