27 October 2008: Despite falling markets confident investors have faith in the FTSE

Despite fears of a looming recession as the FTSE hits its lowest level in over five years, research* from Barclays Stockbrokers reveals investors are still retaining their confidence in the market. Almost two thirds of investors (62 per cent) have faith in the FTSE and believe it will rise over the next three months. A further one in ten (9 per cent) believe it will stay the same.

The poll did however reveal nearly a third of respondents (29 per cent) are not feeling so optimistic – believing the FTSE will go down over the next three months.

Barbara-Ann King, Head of Proposition at Barclays Stockbrokers says: “Despite market turmoil over the last few weeks with the FTSE experiencing dramatic falls we have seen our clients continue to take advantage of market conditions to gain returns. It is encouraging so many investors are confident the FTSE will rise over the next three months; despite uncertainty, our survey shows that investors are confident that the FTSE will bounce back.”

* Results taken from those clients who took part in a Barclays Stockbrokers web poll:

In the next three months I think the FTSE will…(6 – 9 October 2008)

• Go up 62% (1570)
• Go down 29% (730)
• Stay the same 9% (217

(Total 2517)

For further information contact:

Caroline Wells / Jignasa Patel
PR, Barclays Wealth
020 7114 7435 / 020 7699 2483 

OR

Katie Hayward / Katherine Hobby
Lansons Communications
020 7294 3631 / 020 7566 9704
katieh@lansons.com / katherineh@lansons.com