Electronic trading major IG has published the key findings of the IG Client Sentiment Survey. The survey, conducted among 808 clients of the broker at the end of last year, reveals how IG clients approach trading and investment in 2023.
Over half those surveyed said that saving for retirement was their main goal, followed by becoming financially independent, with other goals such as saving for children’s education and for holidays goals for significant minorities. There is a generational split, with younger clients more likely to be saving for a property.
In this period of higher interest rates and rising inflation, which have put a squeeze on consumer incomes around the globe, it is hardly surprising that IG clients view investing as a means of supporting and indeed boosting their lifestyle, while also looking to become self-sufficient. ‘Peace of mind’ and ‘providing for my family’ also rank very highly, something that will no doubt feature more heavily in years to come as house prices rise and the young find themselves having to find the money to get on the housing ladder.
The vast majority of those surveyed think that education, knowledge and planning are crucial to success , and only a small minority believe that success in investing is down to luck.
Recession and inflation are now the main concerns for IG clients, with new Covid variants now a concern for just 10% of clients.
The market falls in 2022 have meant that around a third of IG clients have increased their asset allocation to cash, to protect against further declines.
