The pandemic has led to a greater focus on savings and financial well-being among southeast Asian investors, according to research from global asset manager Schroders.
The Schroders Global Investor Study 2021 surveyed close to 24,000 people across 33 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
The survey’s main finding – that investors have reorganised their personal finances since the pandemic – was more pronounced among Asian respondents with more than 80% of investors strongly agreeing with the greater importance placed on savings.
However, a greater proportion of Asian investors (57%) were unable to save as much as planned when compared to the global average (46%) due to factors such as reduced salaries and income caused by the pandemic.
The study also revealed that investor confidence has increased in spite of the challenges caused by the pandemic and soared to its highest level since the study began in 2016, with average annual return expectations over the next five years expected to be 11.3%, an increase on the 10.9% predicted a year ago.
“Despite the huge challenges we have all encountered, it is encouraging to see that the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for promoting a stronger focus on generic financial planning and wellbeing,” said Stuart Podmore, a behavioural investment insights specialist at Schroders.
“At the same time, we need to exert caution over the investment returns we expect over the coming five years, as the outlook shared by many investors – and in particular those who believe themselves to be experts – is exceptionally optimistic,” added Podmore.
© 2021 funds global asia