A new investor sentiment survey1 shows that, while investors are concerned about both the economic impact of the war in Ukraine and rising inflation, they remain confident about the stock market outlook and are not adjusting their portfolios just yet.
Two thirds of investors surveyed said they expect the ongoing conflict to result in higher energy prices, while 64% expect more global instability and 60% are concerned about increased cyber-attacks. In addition, 92% expect the war to increase inflation and more than half believe abnormally high inflation will last longer than 12 months.
Investors remain optimistic
The survey did, however, find that investors were not at the time looking to adjust their portfolios, although they are poised to do so should the market decline further. Commenting on the findings, Co-President of UBS Global Wealth Management Iqbal Khan said, “The long-term economic implications of the war in Ukraine are difficult to assess, but most investors remain optimistic on their outlook for the stock market and are confident in their well-diversified investment portfolios.”
Super trends – all change
Analysis2 by Credit Suisse has identified growing concerns over the economy as a key super trend, with economic anxieties now replacing the pandemic as the top worry for investors. The Swiss bank’s latest review of global themes driving investment over the long term suggests that, although COVID-19 ‘remains a worry for many people’, it now ranks below concerns about ‘poverty, social inequality and unemployment.’ Other super trends identified within the analysis include an infrastructure boom driven by government spending, technology with new catalysts like the metaverse providing impetus to this trend, the silver economy and climate change.
1UBS, 2022
2Credit Suisse, 2022
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this article is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.