London Share Aware Is The 'Recipe For Success'

According to MORI research published today, the number of individuals actively purchasing shares has increased by 33 per cent over the past 18 months (from 9 per cent to 12 per cent of respondents polled).

Confidence in the stock market is on the increase with 31 per cent of respondents saying that their reasons for investing in shares is that they wanted their money to work harder for them. The Share Aware drive underlines the fact that over most ten-year periods shares outperform most other forms of investment. For example, 163500 invested in the stock market in 1989, could have been worth 1632,290 in 1999. The same amount held in a building society would have generated a return of 163777.*

The research shows that the internet has grown in popularity, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of respondents would consider using the Internet to trade-unions. The use of the internet as a source of information when buying shares has increased three fold, up from 8 per cent to 23 per cent since 1999.

However, the statistics also show that over 64 per cent of individuals who hold shares, do so in five companies or less. This highlights the need to provide more information on the advantages of holding diversified portfolios.

The campaign theme 'Recipe for Success' was served up by BBC2's 'Naked Chef', Jamie Oliver at the launch of London Share Aware today at the London Stock Exchange.

Share Aware London, part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness on the benefits of share ownership, will host a number of high-profile events which are being supported by well-known companies, stock brokers and information providers. Personal finance presenter Alvin Hall of BBC TV's 'Your Money and Your Life' will be hosting a number of seminars on investing in the stock market.

The attractions on offer will also include seminars by stockbroking firms on the latest investment trends and products, workshops for everyone from stock market novices to experienced investors and demonstrations of online internet trading. The week of events will culminate with a two-day exhibition at London Olympia, with over 60 exhibitors ranging from British Airways to Teletext.

Martin Wheatley, Director of Business Development of the London Stock Exchange said: 'The MORI statistics prove that people in the UK are becoming more 'Share Aware' and that advances in technology are making the stock market more accessible for private investors. The London Stock Exchange will continue to work closely with its private client stockbrokers to ensure that private individuals can access the market in a speedy and cost efficient manner.'

The message is simple, as you make your financial arrangements 'Get Share Aware'!

Notes to Editors Survey conducted by MORI Financial Services for the London Stock Exchange and ProShare (UK) limited. Interviews conducted using CATI between 4 July-6 August among 984 holders of shares, with 178 of those trading via the internet.

A full calendar of events for Share Aware London can be obtained by phoning the information hotline on 020-7797 4444.

Technical details

Survey conducted by MORI Financial Services for the London Stock Exchange and ProShare (UK) limited. Interviews conducted using CATI between 4 July-6 August among 984 holders of shares, with 178 of those trading via the internet.