-
Over half of retail
investors (53%) are optimistic about their investments over the
next twelve months (compared to 42% in May)
-
40% of investors expect to
increase the amount of money they invest over the next twelve
months.
-
Younger investors are most
confident, with 52% of 18-29 years-olds and 56% of
30–39-year-olds expecting to increase investment in the next
year.
-
More than half (51%) of
respondents say they would use a UK Growth ISA if it were
introduced.
A major new Retail Investor Sentiment survey, carried out for the
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, immediately
after the Chancellor's Mansion House speech, shows increased
optimism that could be harnessed to grow the UK economy.
Over 2,500 investment platform users were polled by Find Out Now on behalf
of the BCC last week, with more than half (53%) saying they are
optimistic about their investments for the next twelve months.
That compares with a figure of only 42% when the same question
was asked back in May.
The research was carried out following
the Chancellor's speech on 15 July, where she spoke about working
with the financial regulator to support more private investors in
UK businesses.
The survey shows clear signs of
investor confidence, with 40% of respondents saying they will
invest more cash over the next year. 47% expect their investment
levels to stay the same, and 8% expect to decrease.
Younger investors are the most
confident. Of those aged 30-39, 56% expect to invest more in the
next year, while the figure for 18–29-year-olds is 52%.
Meanwhile, the portfolios of younger investors are broader, with
28% of 18–29-year-olds investing in crypto, compared to just 8%
of 55–64-year-olds. Younger investors are also increasingly
active in tracking their investments, with over a third (34%) of
18–29-year-olds checking their online accounts several times a
week.
The research shows a clear appetite
from the public to invest in UK equities. Over half (51%) of
respondents said they would use a UK Growth ISA, rising
dramatically to 76% of 18–29-year-olds. The UK Growth ISA is a
key policy recommendation from the BCC in our recently
published Blueprint for Growth.
David Bharier, Head of
Research at the British Chambers of Commerce
said:
“Retail investors alone will not
resolve the structural challenges facing UK public equity markets
and the wider economy. But they need to be part of the
answer.
“Our research shows individual
investors are increasingly optimistic, with many planning to
increase their investments over the next 12 months. It's crucial
that the Government taps into this growing investor appetite. An
additional allowance to invest in UK equities would help more of
the public drive activity back into the
market.
“Right now, most retail investor
attention goes overseas, drawn by the clarity and momentum of US
success stories. But with the right incentives, their energy,
enthusiasm and growing sophistication could breathe new life into
UK equities.
“As our research shows, a new
generation of investors is emerging with a much bigger appetite –
the UK needs to be ready for them. Businesses, and the wider
economy, will reap the
benefits.”
Tyron Surmon, Head of Research
at Find Out Now said:
“With the FTSE 100 recently reaching a
record-high, our survey results will be encouraging for the
government as they try to get more people to invest in the stock
market.
“Our survey found a significant boost
in optimism among retail investors compared to earlier this year,
and a majority of them saying they would be willing to get a ‘UK
Growth ISA' - they just need the government to take the first
step.”
ENDS
Notes to
editors
-
Find Out Now surveyed 2,535
retail investors (those who confirmed they use an investment
platform) between 7th and 11th May 2025 and 2,619 on 16th July
2025.
-
Find Out Now is a Market
Research Society company partner, member of the British Polling
Council and abides by its
rules.
-
Retail investors were
identified through the question "Do you use an investment
platform? (e.g. for a Stocks & Shares ISA or general 'do it
yourself' investment accounts, such as Trading 212 or
Vanguard).”
-
Full data tables for
fieldwork in May and July are
available.
