The financial markets fall into six key areas, Stocks and Shares, Indices, Currencies, Commodities, Bonds and Property. Whether you decide on a long term investing plan in an ISA or SIPP or a short term trading strategy, the underlying markets you have access to will remain the same.

Some markets, like Funds and Stocks & Shares lend themselves to longer term strategies where growth and dividends may offer substantial returns over a period of 5 years or more while other markets like Commodities and Currencies offer greater volatility and opportunities for intra-day or weekly trading.

Some markets, like Funds and Stocks & Shares lend themselves to longer term strategies where growth and dividends may offer substantial returns over a period of 5 years or more while other markets like Commodities and Currencies offer greater volatility and opportunities for intra-day or weekly trading.

UK investors have a choice of products to gain access to the financial markets. The product(s) you choose will depend on the markets you are interested in and your attitude to risk.

Many investors choose a Stocks and Shares ISA or a SIPP using an online stockbroker where they can choose from a range of Stocks and Shares, Exchange Traded Funds and Managed Funds.

For short term strategies, a Spread Betting, Contracts for Difference, Forex or Futures & Options account will provide access to many of the same markets but with magnified stakes.