Global Investor Confidence Set to Return During 2013 -- U.S. Investors Most Confident for Investment Prospects

NEW YORK, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global investor confidence is returning but at different rates around the world, according to a comprehensive new report by Schroders, the global asset manager.  Analysis of the Schroders Global Investment Trends Report,¹ a survey of 14,800 investors in 20 countries, reveals that 81% of global investors² are planning to increase or invest the same amount over the next 12 months. In the United States, 89% of investors expect to increase or invest the same amount in 2013 as they did in 2012, reflecting the recent rally in global stock markets.

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More than a third of investors around the world are planning to increase the amount they invest in the next 12 months, with an average increase of 3% compared to 12 months ago.  Thirty-four percent of American investors are looking to increase the amount of money they invest in 2013 by 3%, and 55% expect to invest the same amount.

The report shows that investor confidence is returning. Nearly half of global investors said they are more confident about investment opportunities in 2013 than they were last year, compared to 18% of investors who are less confident. Those in the United States and Asia show the greatest confidence, with 59%, respectively, more confident about prospects compared to 39%, respectively, in Europe and the Middle East.

When asked about their product preferences for the next 12 months, an anticipated investment into equities³ is clear.  Sixty-eight percent of investors globally are planning to invest in equities in 2013 and 25% are planning to invest in fixed income products.  Of the investors polled in the U.S., 18% are planning to invest in global equities in the next 12 months and the same number are looking to invest in emerging market equities, while 55% plan to invest in U.S. equities. Twenty-five percent of American investors are looking to invest in corporate bonds/government bonds/emerging markets debt (combined), including 15% in government bonds.

"It is clear that investor sentiment globally is changing," said Massimo Tosato, Executive Vice Chairman, Schroders plc. "These findings paint a picture of growing investor confidence. As we move through the second quarter of 2013, there is a growing consensus that the global recovery is gathering pace, but at different rates around the world. Investors are planning to return to the stock market in greater numbers this year and see growth opportunities, particularly in equities and notably in Asia."

The average amount to be invested / re-invested by U.S. investors in 2013 is just over $132,000, although 26% are looking to invest between $13,000 and $30,000. Forty-eight percent are looking to invest $100,000 or more. The average period for changes to be made to investments by American investors is in just over four months' time, although 50% are looking to make a change within the next three months. Twenty-eight percent are not looking to make a change to their investments until six to 12 months' time.

"Based on the findings of our report, we believe that 2013 could represent a significant first step in the journey back to a more robust global investment environment," said Carter Sims, Head of US Intermediary Distribution. "The strength in the US markets is leading to increased investments, with more investors looking for opportunities to put their money to work over the next 12 months."

About Schroder plc

Schroders is a global asset management company with $359.2 billion under management as of March 31, 2013. Schroders' clients are major financial institutions, including pension funds, banks and insurance companies, local and public authorities, governments, charities, high net worth individuals and retail investors.

With one of the largest networks of offices of any dedicated asset management company, Schroders operates from 33 offices in 27 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. Schroders has developed under stable ownership for over 200 years and long-term thinking governs our approach to investing, building client relationships and growing our business.

Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. is an investment advisor registered with the S.E.C. It provides asset management products and services to clients in the U.S. and Canada, including Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Global Series Trust, investment companies registered with the S.E.C. (the "Schroder Funds"). Shares of the Schroder Funds are distributed by Schroder Fund Advisors LLC, a member FINRA. Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Fund Advisors LLC are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Schroders plc, a U.K. public company with shares listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For additional information about Schroders, go to www.schroders.com/us.

¹ Schroders commissioned Research Plus Ltd to conduct an independent survey of 14,800 investors in 20 countries around the world who intend to invest €10,000 ($13,140) or more during the next 12 months.  The survey was conducted online between March 28 to April 12, 2013 and these individuals accurately reflect the demography of each country involved in the survey.

² For the purpose of this research project, we have defined an "investor" as someone with €10,000 or equivalent that they are looking to invest in the next 12 months.

³ Equity-based investment funds, emerging markets equities and multi asset funds

Contact: Chris Moon, [email protected], 973-850-7304

 

SOURCE Schroders plc