Investment trusts are publicly listed investment companies that pool money from shareholders to invest in a range of assets. They are usually structured as closed-ended companies, issuing a fixed number of shares that investors can buy or sell on a stock exchange. A professional investment manager makes decisions about the trust's portfolio in line with its stated objectives and investment policy. Trusts may focus on UK or overseas shares, bonds, property, infrastructure, private companies or a mixture of asset classes. Some aim to provide income through dividends, while others focus on long-term growth. Customers can expect access to the trust's shares through an investment platform, stockbroker or other share-dealing service, along with published information such as annual reports, accounts, portfolio updates and dividend announcements.