2013: Is there light at the end of the tunnel for UK and its investors?

Stuart Welch, CEO, TD Direct Investing comments: "As 2013 dawns and the FTSE trades above 6,000 for the first time in 17 months, we have certainly started the new year with an air of optimism - which is reassuring given that 2013 will have a lot to live up to. 2012 was a big year for the UK with the Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics uniting the nation and doing much to boost consumer sentiment - and it seems investors caught the British bug too.

"After suffering a shrinking economy since 2008, it's encouraging for the UK that investors have been looking for opportunities close to home, and did so in a year which saw the FTSE 100 fight its way ever closer to the 6,000 mark - a level not reached since July 2011 until a US deal to avoid the fiscal cliff saw markets rally yesterday.

"Home-grown companies such as Aviva, Vodafone and even Tesco were all popular investment choices for TD clients in 2012, with the supermarket giant in particular making its first ever appearance as a top ten buy in our clients' most popular trades of 2012.

"High-street banks, however, still have much to prove if they are to regain trust from British consumers. Lloyds Banking Group maintained its position as the top sell by TD clients for the third consecutive year with Barclays close on its heels in second place. It will be interesting to see what banks do to win back confidence in 2013 and how investors react as a result.

"Last year was also a year for wet weather, and with flooding affecting many parts of the UK, it has proved to be a tricky time for the insurance sector. Aviva in particular has seen a turbulent year with variations in its share price and performance throughout - providing opportunities to both invest and sell-on for the well-timed investor.

"On the plus side, the British economy, and the businesses that contribute to it, look to be emerging from the recent years of economic uncertainty. The European Commission predicts the UK will fast-track recovery in 2013, becoming the fastest growing of Europe's big five economies. It's refreshing to begin a New Year with this air of optimism and investors will want to be part of the opportunities this should generate in 2013."

The value of your investments can go down as well as up. You may not get back all the funds that you invest.

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