12 Mar 2008: Confident investors take advantage of market conditions

Over half of investors see current market conditions as a chance to buy Almost four in ten (37 per cent) still have long-term confidence in the market and are holding on to their stocks Investors remain confident in their actions despite recent market conditions, according to research from Barclays Stockbrokers*. Active traders and bullish investors are seizing the opportunity to benefit from falling share prices, with more than half, 52 per cent, planning to buy in the current market conditions. In addition to this, a significant number of investors have long-term confidence in the market – almost four in ten (37 per cent) have opted against selling their stocks and are preferring to hold on to them. A minority of investors however, are more wary of the current volatile climate, with 11 per cent deciding to sell their investments.

Amy Nauiokas, MD and Head of Barclays Stockbrokers, said: “It is an optimistic sign to see investors so confident in the present market climate and taking advantage of cheaper stocks. The findings of this survey reveal their assurance as self-directed investors, and exposes them as keen to exercise increasingly sophisticated techniques to maximize their returns – even in times of market jitters. Other investors who aren’t quite so bullish are wise to hold on to their stocks instead of selling at the bottom of the curve. With investors having better access to a broad range of market and product types there is clearly more scope for confident choices and bold decisions.”

* Results taken from Barclays Stockbrokers web poll (28 January 2008 – 10 February 2008):

What do you plan to do in the current market conditions? Buy 52% (1808) <
Sell 11% (376)
Hold 37% (1272)
(Total 3456)

For further information contact:

Caroline Wells / Nicola Hankey
PR, Barclays Wealth
020 7114 7435 / 020 7114 9813

OR

Chantal Heckford / Katie Hayward / Katherine Hobby
Lansons Communications
020 7294 3630 / 020 7294 3631 / 020 7566 9704