For many Kenyans, investing can feel complicated, but unit trusts offer a straightforward way to grow your money with professional management. Apollo Unit Trust Funds allow investors to pool their savings to access diversified portfolios, giving everyone a chance to participate in the financial markets.
Understanding Unit Trusts
A unit trust is an investment fund that pools money from multiple investors to purchase a mix of financial securities, including:
- Shares and equities
- Bonds and treasury bills
- Bank deposits
Each investor owns units, representing a portion of the total fund. The value of your units rises or falls based on the performance of the underlying investments. Investors can earn money through capital growth or dividends, depending on the fund type.
Apollo Unit Trust Fund Options
Apollo Equity Fund
- Goal: Long-term capital growth through investments in stocks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
- Risk Level: Medium to high.
- Minimum Investment: KES 10,000 (top-ups from KES 5,000)
- Best For: Investors aiming for long-term growth who are comfortable with moderate to higher market risk.
Apollo Balanced Fund
- Goal: Moderate capital growth with income, investing about half in dividend-paying shares and half in secure interest-bearing instruments.
- Risk Level: Medium
- Minimum Investment: KES 10,000 (top-ups from KES 5,000)
- Best For: Investors looking for stability with reasonable growth and a medium-term horizon.
Apollo Money Market Fund
- Goal: Preserve capital while earning a reasonable return through short-term money market instruments.
- Risk Level: Low to medium
- Minimum Investment: KES 10,000 (top-ups from KES 2,000)
- Best For: Investors seeking low-risk options with higher returns than typical bank deposits and easy access to funds.
Why Unit Trusts Are a Practical Investment
- Diversification: Your investment is spread across multiple securities, reducing the impact of losses in any single investment.
- Professional Management: Experienced fund managers handle research, portfolio monitoring, and day-to-day investment decisions.
- Accessibility: Start investing with modest amounts and add more regularly without worrying about administration.
- Liquidity: Sell all or part of your investment when needed, though equity and balanced funds are best for medium to long-term goals.
- Transparency and Safety: Apollo Unit Trust Funds are regulated by the Capital Markets Authority, with clear reporting and fee structures.
How to Invest
- Fill out the application form from the Apollo website, office, or any branch.
- Submit the required identification and banking documents.
- Make your initial investment and set up regular contributions if desired.
Investors receive monthly statements and annual audited reports. Keep in mind that unit prices and yields fluctuate daily based on market performance. Past returns are not guaranteed to continue.
Key Considerations
- Understand the fund type and risk profile before investing.
- Check fees, charges, and tax implications such as withholding tax on dividends or interest.
- Keep track of your investments and review reports regularly.
- Avoid decisions based on pressure or promises of guaranteed returns.
Apollo Unit Trusts provide a structured and accessible way to invest in Kenya’s financial markets. With options for different risk levels and professional management, unit trusts help investors grow wealth responsibly while keeping funds flexible and accessible.
Contact Apollo Unit Trusts:
Apollo Asset Management Company Limited, Apollo Centre, Ring Road, Parklands, Nairobi
Tel: +254 (0)20 364 1000 | Email: assetmanagement@apollo.co.ke
Website: www.apolloassetmanagement.co.ke
