Money News
Over 15 million Brits (34%) have dabbled in equity markets and a further 6.6 million (15%) are considering taking advantage of current lower market valuations and investing in the stock market, according to new research from Abbey Savings. However, a significant number have been put off investing in equities by the recent market volatility. Indeed, 26% (11.9 million) say they would never invest in the stock market and 15% (6.7 million) say they're less likely to buy shares given recent market movements.
Some 56% would be more likely to invest in the stock market if they had some sort of capital protection i.e. a guarantee against falling markets, however just 44% were aware of the existence of this type of savings product.
The research also reveals that those living in Wales and the South West are most likely to invest in the stock market, with 33% currently having some exposure, compared with just 19% of those in Scotland and 29% in the South East.
Meanwhile, 52% of investors decide what to invest in by reading the newspapers, whilst a further 36% take advice from a financial adviser, 32% take online stock tips, 12% ask their friends, 10% rely on their families and 5% adopt a completely random stock-picking strategy e.g. investing by name of company etc.
07 March 2008 © Moneyextra.com
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