Economy

Institutional investors and IT companies expect the investment climate for the IT sector to continue to improve during the next five years, with 80% of investors expecting to increase their weighting in IT companies. The most widely perceived benefit of investing in IT companies is their long term positive growth rates.

Britain's independent businessmen are increasingly opposed to a single European currency, according to the third annual 3i / MORI survey of Key Independent Businesses in Britain. Two in five owner-managers of these business are against it while three in ten are in favour. By contrast, a similar survey conducted in 1995 recorded an even split in opinion on this issue.

A survey commissioned by the insurer Direct Line has found that the financial services industry is failing to capitalise on the 'grey pound' phenomenon associated with an ageing, but wealthier, population.

Most companies listed on the AIM market view their listing as a step towards joining the Official list in the future.

Direct mail is playing an increasingly important role in the decision making process for financial services purchases, according to recent research conducted by MORI Financial Services for the Direct Mail Association.