Investors in the UK and US show mixed feelings on investment outlook over next 12 months

    LONDON, ENGLAND, September 14, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fulcrum Asset Management (Fulcrum) has released new research1 comparing views from professional investors on both sides of the Atlantic on the macroeconomic outlook and how these views play into investment decisions.

The researchers surveyed a panel of IFAs, wealth managers and institutional investors in the UK and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and other financial advisers and wealth managers in the US.

The results show some disparity, suggesting that UK investors are more optimistic (48% optimistic) about the investment outlook than the North American cohort (42% optimistic); with those identifying as 'pessimistic' numbered at 40% in the UK and 46% in the US.

Breaking down the data further, there are some stark differences among the different age groups. When looking across both jurisdictions, of the 25-34 age group, 58% of respondents were optimistic about the next 12 months, compared with just 17% amongst the 55+ age category. Indeed, pessimism appears to increase with age.

Question: "How do you currently feel about the overall investment outlook for the next 12 months?" by age, across both the UK and US

Age 25-24: Optimistic 58%, pessimistic 38%, no change 4%

Age 35-44: Optimistic 45%, pessimistic 43%, no change 13%

Age 45-54: Optimistic 47%, pessimistic 44%, no change 9%

Age 55+: Optimistic 17%, pessimistic 50%, no change 33%

When it came to global macroeconomic shocks and their impact on markets over the next 12 months compared with the previous 12, the US cohort was once again a lot more negative than their UK counterparts with nearly half, 47%, saying that they expected shocks to have a greater impact on markets during the next 12 months against only 37% of Brits. In the UK, most respondents (43%) thought the impact would be lesser, whereas in the US this number was 36%.

Commenting on the results, Joe Davidson, Managing Partner, Fulcrum Asset Management, said: "After the volatility experienced in recent years, it is not surprising that there is no blanket optimism from respondents on either side of the Pond. It's interesting to note that the exuberance of youth seems to be a real thing, with a positive attitude prevailing.

"Things can of course change quickly and the need for a disciplined investment process and effective risk management is of huge importance given today's unstable environment."

About Fulcrum Asset Management (LLP)
Fulcrum Asset Management specialises in managing a range of macro-oriented investment products, with the objective of delivering positive returns irrespective of market conditions. Guided by innovative macro research, a disciplined investment process and effective risk management, our aim to be our clients' most trusted long-term partner.

Fulcrum's highly innovative investment approach employs both discretionary and systematic inputs that are supported by extensive in-house research. Being unconstrained by benchmarks, Fulcrum provides investment solutions with the ability to align products with a client's specific risk appetite. All of our strategies offer transparency, liquidity and competitive fee structures.

Founded in 2004, the firm manages £6.6bn / USD$8.3* bn on behalf of a global client base including institutions and wealth managers. Fulcrum is a signatory to the UNPRI along with a number of significant organisations across the global that embrace sustainability as part of their core objective.

*As at 31st August 2023

1Findings are based on a survey from independent research consultancy, Censuswide, conducted between 30.05.23-05.06.23 with a sample of 205 Professional Investors (breakdown: 105 respondents in the UK and 100 respondents in the US.) Censuswide is a member of ESOMAR – a global association and voice of the data, research and insights industry. Censuswide complies with the MRS code of conduct based on ESOMAR principles.

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