What type of information must retail clients receive regarding investment products?

Retail clients must receive a suitability report regarding investment products because this is a critical requirement under UK regulations. The suitability report is designed to ensure that investment recommendations are appropriate for the client's individual circumstances, objectives, and risk tolerance.

The report details how the proposed investment aligns with the client's personal financial situation and goals, providing transparency and protecting the client from unsuitable investment decisions. This is key in fostering an environment of trust and ensuring that clients can make informed choices about their investments.

While other types of information, such as investment risk analysis, market forecasts, and trading histories, are important for clients to understand their investments, they do not fulfill the regulatory obligation to ensure that the products recommended meet the specific needs and circumstances of retail clients in the same way that a suitability report does. Therefore, the suitability report is paramount in maintaining regulatory compliance and upholding professional integrity in client dealings.