At a time of economic uncertainty across Europe, research from Schroders shows that investors are being more cautious and checking on what is happening on a more regular basis.
Of the 10 European countries studied as part of the global asset management company’s European Wealth Index, a rolling study that examines the attitude of affluent investors, Austrians topped the table followed by Swedes and Spanish.
As well as 49% checking at least weekly, some 24% of Austrian investors revealed that they check their investments on a daily basis.
“In Austria the investor is faced with an incredibly volatile stock market, with moves of 3% to 6% on a daily basis. This is because it is a small market and therefore more volatile, so they keep a regular eye on it,” said Peter Beckett, head of European Marketing at Schroders.
At the bottom were the Dutch with just 18% checking their investments weekly and 10% daily (see below).
Overall the current economic outlook means that European investors are taking control of their finances and seeking more expert advice, according to Beckett. “Across Europe we continue to see flows driven by clients of independent financial advisers as affluent investors reappraise investment strategies to keep their long-term and retirement goals alive,” he explained.
The research was undertaken by YouGov in September 2011 among a representative sample of affluent investors spanning 10 European countries. These comprised: Germany, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France and the UK. The affluent investor sample was defined as people with invested assets, excluding primary residence, of €100,000 (or equivalent).
| Rank | Country | Investors that check investment performance daily or weekly | Investors that check investment performance daily |
| 1 | Austria | 49% | 24% |
| 2 | Sweden | 46% | 16% |
| 3 | Spain | 42% | 22% |
| 4 | Germany | 42% | 18% |
| 5 | Italy | 36% | 13% |
| 6 | UK | 32% | 16% |
| 7 | France | 32% | 9% |
| 8 | Switzerland | 30% | 13% |
| 9 | Belgium | 24% | 10% |
| 10 | Netherlands | 18% | 10% |
