Distribution bonds are intended to provide income with minimal affects on your original investment. They attempt to ensure that any tax-free returns, up to 5 per cent and usually in the form of dividends, do not greatly reduce your original investment, thereby providing the opportunity for future long-term growth. They also combine two different asset classes, equities and bonds, inside one investment wrapper.
Distribution bonds tend to have a higher amount invested in UK equities than other types of bonds, so they may be riskier. Nevertheless, distribution bonds normally have a strong income flow to them from reliable investments to increase their security. A larger exposure to equities as part of their overall investment mix provides the potential for longer term growth.
Depending on the performance, the income produced from distribution bonds will fluctuate, and for tax purposes, withdrawals can be deferred for up to 20 years.
