UK investor confidence rose sharply, matching that of Germany, while Italy fell markedly behind, according to The Investor Index 2026.
The Investor Index is an annual study of investor behaviour from AML Group and The Nursery Research & Planning, and is a composite measure of investor confidence, sense of control and how informed investors feel about their financial decisions.
The results found the UK Investor Index has climbed to a score of 115, up significantly from 103 in 2025 and well above the pre-pandemic record of 100.
For the first time, the Investor Index also expanded internationally to Germany and Italy. German investor confidence marginally exceeded the UK at 116 while Italian investor confidence lagged significantly behind at 75. UK investors were also notably more likely than German and Italian counterparts to believe markets will recover and that current conditions present opportunities.
The study also found UK investors approaching or in retirement were considerably more confident than their European counterparts. For example, 84% of UK investors near or in retirement expressed confidence that their investments will be sufficient, compared with 73% in Germany and 65% in Italy.
Seven in ten UK investors also expressed belief that long-term investing is more important than ever, with half increasing the amount they invested over the past year and a further 40% maintaining their existing level of investment.
This growing conviction is reflected across investor groups. Confidence has risen across every age group over 35, narrowing the gap with younger investors, who continue to rank among the most confident groups overall. The strongest gains were recorded among wealthier investors, particularly those with more than £250,000 invested.
“What’s particularly interesting is how normalised uncertainty appears to have become for investors,” says Nicola Wright, insights director at The Nursery Research & Planning.
“Confidence is no longer closely tied to calm market conditions. Investors seem increasingly comfortable making decisions in a world where disruption and volatility are seen as part of the backdrop rather than temporary events.”
Research was conducted in the UK, Germany and Italy in April and May 2026. It is based on surveys of 1,117 UK investors, 505 German investors, and 514 Italian investors, all of which have at least £10,000 invested into capital markets.
The Nursery is an independent research and insights consultancy.
