Economic uncertainty in the eurozone tops concerns for investors, according to financial advisers

Economic uncertainty in the eurozone tops concerns for investors, according to financial advisers 

• Economic uncertainty in the eurozone tops the list of concerns for investors, according to one in four (25%) financial advisers, as markets react anxiously following Italy’s election

• The threat of triple dip recession and rising inflation are still amongst the biggest worries facing UK investors

• Almost half (49%) of financial advisers believe that over the next year clients will need more help with their investments

• Despite the UK losing its ‘safe-haven’ status, three in five (58%) financial advisers think the UK will be the most popular region for clients looking to invest in 2013

A survey¹ of over 200 financial advisers, by unbiased.co.uk, the professional advice website, reveals that investors are currently more concerned about the impact of economic uncertainty in the eurozone on their investment portfolio than the outlook for the UK economy. 

Despite the UK losing its much-prized AAA rating last week, one in four (25%) financial advisers believes their clients are most concerned about the impact of economic turmoil in the eurozone on their investments.  For others, the threat of a triple-dip recession remains real with one in five (18%) financial advisers citing this as the number one concern for investors at the moment.  One in five (18%) financial advisers believes that their clients are more concerned about rising inflation shrinking the real value of their portfolio.

Table 1: Areas clients are most concerned about when it comes to the performance of their investments 

Experts predict that growth in the UK will ‘remain sluggish’ over the next few years, despite this three in five (58%) financial advisers think the UK will be the most popular sector for investors in 2013.  Two in five (42%) advisers believe that emerging markets will be as popular, while one third (33%) think their clients will look instead to the US for growth. 

While investors remain concerned by the economic outlook, one quarter (25%) of financial advisers say they are seeing more clients wanting to opt for a higher risk approach.  Only 12% of financial advisers say their clients remain cautious and are picking low-risk assets, while 5% say their clients are pulling their money out of investments altogether.

While the economic environment is set to remain challenging, financial advisers are well placed to help investors with their investment decisions. Over the next year, almost half (49%) of advisers believe that their clients will look to them for more help when it comes to their investment decisions, 47% believe they will require the same level of advice and just 3% think that their clients will require less guidance.

Karen Barrett, Chief Executive at unbiased.co.uk comments: “For investors, the recent downgrade of the UK’s credit rating further challenges the concept of risk-free investments.  While investors may be becoming increasingly open to holding more risk in their portfolio, the economic environment remains challenging and seeking professional advice to help maximise returns is vital. 

“Investment and savings remains the second most sought after area of advice on our 'find an IFA’ search, highlighting the demand for guidance in this area.  Our survey results show that investors discuss their concerns with their financial adviser, which will help them to make more informed decisions – and our previous Value of Advice research shows, advised clients have confidence that they have taken the right actions, even in difficult market conditions.

“A financial adviser will look at your entire financial situation, assess your personal attitude to risk and will then suggest a suitable strategy for your investments. They will be able to consider all your financial requirements and comb the market for the best financial products.  To find a financial adviser near you who specialises in investments, go to www.unbiased.co.uk.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Research carried out online with the unbiased.co.uk financial adviser panel between 15^th and 19^th February amongst a sample of 211 financial advisers

For more information contact:

Anna Schirmer/ Emily Falla/ Maddy Morgan Williams, Lansons Communications: 020 7294 3682

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About unbiased.co.uk, the professional advice website 

Unbiased.co.uk is the UK's most comprehensive free professional adviser search website, focused on empowering users with the resources they need to make better informed financial and legal decisions.  We not only help consumers and businesses find the best adviser for their needs from over 20,000 IFAs, financial advisers, mortgage advisers, solicitors and accountants listed on our search but we also help them research the market by providing relevant information and tools.  At unbiased.co.uk we like to be transparent about what we do and aim to provide the easiest way for consumers to find and compare advisers meeting their requirements.

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