Imagine you are the manager of a pension fund that invests large amounts of money in companies, most of which are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Returns on your investments provide the funds to pay the pension beneficiaries.

State the proportions of fixed interest securities (i.e. debentures, preference shares, etc.) and ordinary shares you would choose with a view to minimising the risk to funds and maximising returns.

State briefly the reasons for your investment strategy. State a source from which you would get information on which to base your investment strategy.

State a possible consequence of other fund managers thinking in a similar vein to yourself.

Select 5 listed London Stock Market companies from different sectors (such as Banking, Information Technology, Media, Chemicals, Construction, Retailers, Transport, Mining, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceuticals, Property, etc.) in which you intend to invest substantial amounts of capital with a view to seeking a return on your investment. Briefly give reasons for your selections.