Almost half of investors seeking opportunities outside Europe

Thursday 26th January 2012

Following sustained market volatility in the euro zone, and recent ratings agency downgrades, investors are taking stock and re-focussing their investment portfolios elsewhere, according to Barclays Stockbrokers.

Its research reveals that when asked about their investment outlook for the euro zone, almost half of respondents (44%) have refocused their investment portfolio away from the region.

Some 27% now favour the UK, and 17% are looking to alternative international markets. The research also found that although 28% of respondents still see investment potential in the euro zone, an equal number (28%) are currently undecided on their outlook for the region.

Paul Inkster, Head of Product at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "At Barclays Stockbrokers we continue to see our clients reacting to market volatility caused by ongoing uncertainty in the euro zone; we saw trading volumes increase significantly at the end of last week - a trend that has continued into the start of this week.

"Following sustained market turmoil in the euro zone and multiple ratings agency downgrades, investors are taking action and are seeking returns elsewhere."

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Mike Jones