UK in focus for Barclays Stockbrokers clients in Olympic Year

Barclays Stockbrokers clients have revealed a growing appetite for investing in the UK, with the oil and gas sector taking the top spot for investment opportunities.

The UK's largest online execution-only stockbroker polled over 1000 clients on their appetite for investing in UK stocks and found 31% of respondents are planning to increase their exposure to investments in the UK. Over half (55%) are currently monitoring investment opportunities in the UK, while just 6% are looking to reduce their investments in the UK.   

In a separate poll, Barclays Stockbrokers asked clients which UK sector they favour for investments. Oil and gas received the most votes (26%), followed by the technology sector at 16%. This was closely followed by financials and the mining sector (including gold) - taking 13% and 12% respectively. The top five is completed by the telecoms sector, in fifth place, with 10% of the vote.

Paul Inkster, Head of Product, Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "All eyes are on the UK this year with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London 2012 Olympics starting in just a few days.

"Investing in the UK is always popular with our clients, and demand remains strong at a time when investors continue to look for growth in times of market turmoil. The oil and gas, technology and financials sectors continue to be popular whilst the UK overall remains in focus supported by recent insight showing across May and June 2012, investments made in FTSE-related ETFs by our clients accounted for 40% of total ETF trades for each month."