An open-end fund is one of the most common types of collective investment scheme. It is an investment vehicle where the assets of the fund are pooled together and professional fund managers manage the fund through a range of investments. Open-end funds allow investors to make ongoing contributions as well as withdraw their investments directly from the fund. This makes open-end funds extremely accessible to investors and allows them to diversify their investments easily.

Open-end funds are often mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Both of these products offer advantages and disadvantages to the investor, depending on the type of investments they are pursuing. For example, ETFs tend to be more tax-efficient than mutual funds, while mutual funds often have lower fees and expenses.

The greatest feature of an open-end fund is its potential for growth over time. Unlike closed-end funds, open-end funds do not have a predetermined number of shares outstanding. As more investors contribute to the fund, the number of shares expands. This allows investors to purchase more shares at better prices, due to the increased liquidity of the fund.

Open-end funds are typically priced according to their portfolio's net asset value (NAV) at the end of the day. The NAV is calculated by dividing the total value of the fund's assets (minus liabilities) by the number of shares outstanding. Since NAVs are not traded on exchanges, funds must meet a minimum purchase requirement before they can be bought or sold.

Overall, open-end funds are an extremely popular type of collective investment that can provide investors with a unique way to diversify their portfolios while benefiting from the professional management of a fund manager. With the potential for growth and increased liquidity, open-end funds offer investors significant advantages over traditional closed-end funds. When considering an open-end fund, investors should be sure to research the fund carefully, review fees and expenses, and understand the potential risks associated with their investments.