Investors Looking to Alternatives for Growth Opportunities in 2013, EverBank Retail Investor Survey Finds

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Investors believe U.S. equity markets will continue to perform well in 2013 but a majority are looking to alternative global investments, including metals, currencies and foreign equities, to diversify their portfolios and improve financial performance, concludes EverBank's new Global Investment Opportunities Retail Investor Survey.

EverBank, the retail banking division of EverBank Financial Corp (NYSE: EVER), polled more than 300 individual investors at The World MoneyShow Orlando between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, to identify investment opportunities and sentiments around the globe.

Opportunities in the U.S. vs. Abroad

More than half (52 percent) of survey respondents said they are looking outside traditional U.S. equities for performance in 2013.  Of those investors, 21 percent have their eyes on precious metal investment opportunities and another 21 percent see the greatest opportunity in international equities.  Seven percent of survey respondents anticipate currencies will offer the greatest upside this year and 3 percent are looking at international fixed income.

Further highlighting investors' increasing focus on opportunities outside the United States, two-thirds of survey respondents said they believe international investment positions have become more important in their portfolios than they were five years ago.

"Investors today are realizing the importance of a well-diversified portfolio and appreciate that it's not as simple as having the right balance between equities and fixed income assets," said Frank Trotter, President of EverBank Direct. "Alternative assets like precious metals and currencies are more important than ever as investors look for ways to find better yields in a low-interest-rate environment and still-fragile global economic environment. We're seeing increased demand in products that give investors exposure to those diverse asset classes, but we believe that many investors can do more to diversify. The reality is diversification is not as difficult or complex as many people believe, and we're seeing a growing awareness of the importance of building investment portfolios that include traditional U.S. equities, traditional fixed-income assets and a wide range of more non-traditional investment vehicles."

Finding Value in a Low Interest Rate Environment

With record low interest rates holding steady, investors must decide how to manage their portfolios, according to EverBank. When asked to identify the strategy they would most likely pursue during this low rate environment, investors were fairly divided:

• Thirty-one percent of investors said they will pursue new ways to add value to the cash positions in their portfolio.
• Twenty-seven percent will seek out international investment opportunities.
• Twenty-six percent will look into real estate opportunities.
• Currencies and other alternative investments received 15 percent of the responses.

"Low interest rates are a major cause for concern among investors who are looking for safe, but value-driven options," Trotter noted.  "Currencies, typically considered a more volatile asset, can provide an investor with the U.S. interest rate protection and growth they seek in a more stable form through CD or money market-based platforms."

EverBank's WorldCurrency® and non-FDIC insured Metals Select® accounts allow private investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolio through a wide range of foreign currency and precious metals investment products.

Editor's Note:

The EverBank Global Investment Opportunities Retail Investor Survey polled 301 attendees on-site at The World MoneyShow Orlando between January 31 and February 1, 2013.  Participants included individual retail investors, stock brokers, futures traders and financial advisors.  Respondents presented their views on U.S. and global market expectations for 2013 as well as proper portfolio allocation. 

About EverBank

EverBank Financial Corp, through its wholly-owned subsidiary EverBank, provides a diverse range of financial products and services directly to clients nationwide through multiple business channels. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, EverBank has $18.2 billion in assets and $13.1 billion in deposits as of December 31, 2012. With an emphasis on value, innovation and service, EverBank offers a broad selection of banking, lending and investing products to consumers and businesses nationwide. EverBank provides services to clients through the internet, over the phone, through the mail, at its Florida-based financial centers and at other business offices throughout the country. More information on EverBank can be found at www.abouteverbank.com/ir.

SOURCE EverBank Financial Corp