Explainers

This area of the website is dedicated to providing you with helpful information on investment trusts, their features, and what is involved for you as a shareholder.

Investment Trusts

Everything you need to know

Glossary

Common financial terms explained

Educational Videos

Illustration showing different shapes connected to one larger circle in the middle.

What is an investment trust?

A Scottish Mortgage animation introducing investment trusts and how they differ from other funds.

Illustration conveying a gear and belt system.

What is gearing?

We are familiar with gears on a bike, but financial gearing? Scottish Mortgage explains.

Illustration of circles in different sizes and colours.

What does closed-ended mean?

Open or closed? A Scottish Mortgage animation that explains the benefits of a closed-ended fund.

Illustration of circles on a wavey line.

What are discounts and premiums?

Can’t tell your premiums from your discounts? You will after this Scottish Mortgage animation.

Illustration of a hand picking up a triangle from a collection of shapes.

What are buybacks?

Scottish Mortgage minds the gap between the share price and the net asset value with buybacks.

Scottish Mortgage frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust.

Important information

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (BGO) provides investment management and advisory services to non-UK clients. BGO is wholly owned by Baillie Gifford & Co. Both are authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This website is informative only and the information provided should not be considered as investment or other advice or a recommendation or offer to buy, sell or hold a particular investment. Read our Legal and regulatory information for further details.