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Brits Fear Financial Markets as Volatility Reigns

Brits are missing out on investments due to fear of the current climate and a lack of knowledge.
Finance - 18 October 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Graham Spooner| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

A new report has revealed Brits are missing out on potential investments because of lack of money (45%), lack of knowledge (24%), fear of investments dropping (22%) and confusion (13%). One in five (21%) have admitted to avoiding investing in the stock market altogether because they wouldn�t even know where to start.

The volatile markets can provide good investment opportunities in certain sectors, despite this almost half (46%) of Brits are not prepared to take any risks with their investment, one in ten (11%) admit to being too nervous to invest and some may be surprised to see 16% are not taking any action and simply letting their portfolio ride the storm.

Only one in five (17%) Brits invest in companies they are interested in or relate to, and over half (54%) of people do not have any preference for any sector or financial market. If Brits are serious about making money and investing for the future then they need to wise up and become more financially savvy.

. Introduction:

The stock market is a daunting and confusing area for many people, but new research has revealed that Brits are missing out on potential investments because of lack of knowledge, fear and confusion. Understandably, many are not willing to take risks with their investments, but volatile markets can be a good opportunity for would be investors, and favourite companies and interests could be a good place for first timers to start.

So, would you know where to start when it comes to investing in the stock market - and what makes a good investment?

Joining us to discuss this further is Graham Spooner, an Investment Advisor at The Share Centre.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about attitudes to investments in our area?

What consequences are there to not investing at all � or not investing wisely?

What are the risks in investing in the stock market �what are the key things that people need to be aware of?

What sorts of markets are good to invest in during a volatile market?

What advice do you have for listeners who are would like to invest more in the stock market, or are worried about their current portfolio?

Where can we find out more information?