Sovereign wealth fund
A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned fund of the accumulated reserves that arise from running a trade surplus with other countries.
A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is state owned. Typically, it is funded by a country's central bank from the accumulated reserves that arise from running a trade surplus with other countries. The fund is usually tasked with a specific investment objective that will benefit its country's citizens.
In short, like any investor, its job is to earn a decent return on its capital while avoiding too much risk. For an oil-rich Gulf state, that might involve finding investments say, London property that diversify the state's revenue streams (so rent is earned alongside oil money).
The range of investments such a fund can choose varies some are restricted only to very liquid public securities, for example. The size of each fund varies too, but some are huge the estimated value of all SWFs is more than $2trn.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Is it time to ride the recovery in emerging markets?
Interview What's the outlook for emerging markets? Gustavo Medeiros, head of research at Ashmore Group, gives his analysis and reviews progress in developing economies
-
Could the Enterprise Investment Scheme cut your tax bill?
The Enterprise Investment Scheme is tax-efficient and potentially lucrative. Taking a chance on the scheme could trim your family’s IHT bill, says David Prosser