Poll Shows Investors Confidence Holds Firm
Investor confidence in shares remains strong despite recent stock market volatility, according to a MORI poll commissioned by the London Stock Exchange.
Nearly nine out of ten people surveyed had not considered selling their shares as a result of the recent movements in the stock market. In fact 42 per cent of those surveyed believe now is a good time to buy given the drop in share prices over the past quarter. And only 21 per cent of those who had considered selling their shares as a result of market turbulence, had actually done so.
The poll (among almost 2,000 shareholders) also showed that people see shares as a better long-term investment than putting money into a savings account. Some 41 per cent agreed with this proposition while only 28 per cent disagreed.
The poll coincides with the next phase of the London Stock Exchange's 'Share Aware' campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of share ownership. This second phase involves promotions in key cities throughout the UK and a 'Share Aware' week in Leeds, which is a pilot for an annual investment event which the Exchange hopes to take national next year.
The MORI research also shows that recent movements in the market have made people more likely to follow the performance of their shares in the financial pages. Twenty three per cent of respondents have been checking prices more frequently recently, compared with 60 per cent who have not changed their checking pattern.
The Exchange said:
- "The current global market volatility makes our 'Share Aware' campaign even more important. We need to address the questions people have about buying shares and emphasise the long-term potential of investing through the stock market."
The Leeds programme includes:
- A breakfast launch by John Kemp-Welch, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, Mike Blackburn, Chief Executive of Halifax plc, and TV's Carol Vordeman.
- A series of seminars for shareholders.
- Opportunities for members of the public to meet local and national businesses and experts from leading stockbrokers.
Technical details
Fieldwork dates were 8-13 October 1998.
