People really want to invest in equities but don’t know where to start
Many people would love to try to boost their savings pot by having a go at investing in equities, but don't have a clue where to begin, research out today has found.
According to the survey by equity crowdfunding platform SyndicateRoom, almost half (46 per cent) of people were keen to invest in shares on the public markets but didn't know how to get access, while nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) said they could be tempted to dabble in equities and more than half (53 per cent) said they thought their net worth would increase if they did.
Over a third (38 per cent) said that they'd be keener to put money in equities if the market was simpler and easier to use. However, a similar proportion (37 per cent) said that they would less anxious about parting with their cash if equities had a better reputation for being a secure investment.
Millennials are the most keen to try their hand at the equities market, with 81 per cent saying they could be motivated to, compared with 73 per cent of those from Generation X and 60 per cent of baby boomers.
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Meanwhile, people's dream of living the life of luxury are failing to materialise, with only 28 per cent saying that they felt they were on track to achieve their financial priorities.
The younger generation is getting a particularly raw deal, with over a third (36 per cent) of millennials viewing buying their own home as their key financial priority, but only one in five (20 per cent) feeling like they are on track to actually achieve that.
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"The results of this survey support what we’ve long suspected – that there is a strong and healthy appetite for equity investment in the UK," said Goncalo de Vasconcelos, chief executive and co-founder of SyndicateRoom. "Many factors have contributed to this, from social change to economic pressures.
"However, while the desire from consumers is evident, so are the barriers. It’s clear that the public’s money isn’t working as hard as it should be. So it’s crucial that as an industry we support investors to ensure simple, transparent and easy access for all."