But given the fragile state of the global economy, it's not surprising that many investors are adopting a safety-first approach. With this is mind, here are 10 cautious investments. Remember though: if in doubt seek independent advice first.
1 Saga five-year fixed-rate saver
This is the best-paying cash savings account on the market, paying a fixed rate of 4.65pc until 2016. Your capital might be safe, but there is the risk that inflation will erode its buying power. The account can be opened with just �1. But like all Saga products it's available only to the over-50s.
2 Derbyshire Building Society Net Saver
This best-paying instant-access account pays interest at 3.18pc. This includes a bonus of 2.18 percentage points until December 2012, after which the rate reverts to a less impressive 1pc. The account is available only online but the initial deposit must be made by cheque.
3 Index-linked gilts
Gilts are government debt. These IOUs run for a fixed period of time (the longest run for 50 years). Around a quarter pay a return (also known as a coupon) that is linked to inflation; the rest pay a fixed interest rate. As they are deemed safer than corporate bonds, returns are lower.
Hargreaves Lansdown's Danny Cox said over five years index-linked gilts had returned 44pc, compared with 36pc from conventional gilts. It is possible to buy gilts direct from the Government's Debt Management Office. However, most people get exposure via funds, such as M & G's index-linked gilt fund or a more general "fixed-interest" fund.
4 National Grid index-linked bonds
National Grid is the latest blue-chip company to launch a 10-year index-linked corporate bond. Rather than pay a fixed rate of interest, investors get an inflation-linked return ? RPI (currently 5.2pc) plus 1.25 percentage points.
But investors should not confuse these bonds with National Savings & Investments' "linkers" as they are not as flexible or as secure.
Although the income received is guaranteed (provided that National Grid does not go bust), the capital value of your investment can fluctuate. If you buy at launch and hold until maturity your capital is guaranteed, as long as National Grid is still in business. Launch date is October 6.
5 M & G Corporate Bond fund
This is the "outstanding fund" in the corporate bond sector, according to financial adviser Brian Dennehy. It has continued with its emphasis on capital preservation, having broadly anticipated current weakness further down the bond food chain. Little wonder it has delivered positive returns in each of the past four years.
6 Fidelity MoneyBuilder Income
Fidelity's MoneyBuilder range reduced its exposure to bank bonds in good time and positioned itself to benefit from falling gilt yields. It has delivered positive returns in each of the past three years.
7 Absolute Insight UK Equity Market Neutral fund
"Absolute return" funds aim to generate positive returns regardless of market conditions. Many have failed to do this, although this is an exception. It has exposure to equities, currencies and emerging market bonds.
8 Meteor Dynamic FTSE Growth Plan 3
This stock market linked bond will pay 6.38pc a year in one lump sum (a total of 45pc of your original investment) at the end of its six-year term ? but only if the FTSE 100 has not fallen over the period. If it does, you get back your original capital only.
The plan begins on September 30. If, for example, the FTSE 100 closes at 5,200 on that date, you would get the 45pc return as long as the index is at 5,200 or above in six years' time, no matter what happened to it over the intervening period.
The bond is a "structured deposit" with Royal Bank of Scotland and is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
9 Investec Deposit Growth Plan 11 ? Option 1
This is another "structured deposit" so your original capital is as safe as in an ordinary bank account, with recourse to the FSCS.
Again, returns are linked to the performance of the FTSE 100 index ? in this case, you receive interest equal to the rise in the index over the five-year term, starting on October 26.
If the index fell over the period, you would receive just your initial capital in full.
10 Premium Bonds
Research has suggested that the public buy Premium Bonds for three main reasons: the hope of winning �1m, 100pc security of capital and a tax-free return.
If you are going to earn only a few pounds on a cash Isa, barely covering a round of drinks, it might be worth joining the ranks of the Premium Bond brigade.
Visit Telegraph Financial Services for personal finance information and advice.
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