Investors have confidence in FTSE, despite market volatility

Despite the market turmoil that investors have experienced recently, investors remain bullish on the prospects for the FTSE. Almost two-thirds of investors (61%) are confident enough to believe the FTSE will rise over the next three months.

The findings come as Barclays Stockbrokers clients maintain their high levels of buying activity with the buy: sell ratio for trades last week standing at 58 : 42. However, naturally, some investors do remain cautious, as a quarter (25%) of them believe the FTSE will fall.

Amy Nauiokas, MD and Head of Barclays Stockbrokers says: “It is encouraging that investors are remaining confident and still believe that they will achieve returns from the FTSE over the next three months. While some remain cautious, many investors are seeing opportunities in the market, and with the high levels of buying activity we have seen at Barclays Stockbrokers, it is clear they view now as a good time to buy.”

Henk Potts, Equity Strategist, Barclays Stockbrokers: “While some investors have clearly been spooked by the recent market turmoil, it is encouraging that for the vast majority the recent sell-off represents an opportunity. We believe the underlying medium-term picture looks much brighter than current valuations suggest and anticipate that shares will rise 15% over the next 12 months. Global growth remains strong, corporate profitability continues to outperform market expectations and company balance sheets still look healthy. Investors who click the buy button now should be rewarded handsomely for their bravery.”