Brexit fears haven’t dented UK investors’ optimism, according to a survey. They are among the most optimistic in Europe regarding the outlook for their investments, despite Brexit and record low interest rates, Legg Mason Global Asset Management has found.
A survey by the asset manager found half of UK investors were “somewhat optimistic” about the returns their investments could achieve over the next 12 months, while a further 13% were “very optimistic”. Only 30% said they were “not that optimistic”, with just 8% not optimistic at all.
The findings are part of Legg Mason’s fifth annual Global Investment Survey, which polled over 15,000 people around the world.
Only Swedish investors were more positive overall, with 62% saying they were “somewhat optimistic” and 6% “very optimistic”.
Some 46% said the outcome of negotiations to leave the EU could affect the performance of their investments. Only concerns over low interest rates topped Brexit as a worry.
Justin Eede, head of Europe and Americas distribution at Legg Mason, said that while the optimism in the UK might surprise given the Brexit backdrop, there were many reasons to be positive.
“While there has been an understandable focus on the impact of Brexit, the truly global nature of investment markets – particularly the FTSE 100 – means investors can continue to make returns irrespective of the domestic outlook,” he said.
©2017 funds europe
