UK investors plan to boost portfolios as ‘freedom day’ approaches
Two fifths (40 per cent) of UK investors say they will become more active in how they invest once the last social distancing restrictions are lifted and the economy reopens fully.
FJP Investment commissioned a survey among 735 UK investors, all of which have portfolios in excess of £20,000, which found that 39 per cent said they will invest in more traditional asset classes, such as property.
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Nearly a third (28 per cent) plan to invest or increase their investment in the stock market once the the last remaining lockdown restrictions are lifted and 13 per cent of investors plan to invest in cryptocurrencies in the coming 12 months, with this rising to 32 per cent among those aged between 18 and 34.
The survey also revealed that record low interest rates has led to 37 per cent of investors investing some of their savings into other forms of investment over the past 12 months.
Despite the renewed confidence, many investors said they stopped making new investments during the pandemic, with 42 per cent citing uncertainty around Covid and 40 per cent blaming Brexit.
Read more: Half of investors still confident in bricks and mortar
Read more: Half of investors still confident in property market
“As we transition out of the pandemic, the research suggests there is a renewed sense of confidence that is returning to investors,” said Jamie Johnson, chief executive of FJP Investment.
“This is no doubt inspired by the fact that there are brighter economic prospects, with lockdown measures due to be fully lifted by 19 July.
“We can see that a large number of investors are feeling emboldened to make investment and financial decisions, which for many had been put on pause in light of the volatile market conditions. As such, we should expect a flurry of investment activity in the second half of 2021.
“Tellingly, property continues to be perceived as a safe asset in the eyes of investors, with the market emerging relatively unscathed from the pandemic and further highlighting its resilience as an investment asset. It will be fascinating to watch how the pent-up demand and savings are released back into the market.”