Shareholders find security with paper

Despite the call for the 'dematerialisation' of shares, new research by Barclays Stockbrokers shows that many UK residents prefer to keep their investments where they can see them. Indeed, one in five own shares in certificated format and these aren't just locked away for a rainy day; a tenth of people surveyed had checked their investments that day.

Investors aren't holding small amounts in these shares either; the average value of their shares being £13,485, with one in ten holding over £25,000 worth. 55% hold shares in this form because they like having their investment in a physical format.

Traditionally people received this form of investment through a will or inheritance, but 63% of investors questioned have invested in this type of investment directly. And this isn't just restricted to the older generation, given one in ten of 18-24 year olds hold shares in this format.

Investors see certificated shares as a method of continuous saving, with 34% having held paper for over 10 years. Indeed, 71% hold them because they see them as a strong long term investment. Meanwhile, a third of investors value them so much they hold them in their safe.

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2007-06-05 10:08:06 © Moneyextra.com