Economic confidence strong amongst financial advisers

What do financial advisers think about the economy, political parties and the UK’s role in Europe? Over 200 told us their views in the fifth annual Voice of the Adviser survey.

Last year financial advisers were bullish in the confidence of the economy. Some 78% saw it improving from 2013 to 2014. This has softened in the latest survey but still remains strong. Economically, 58% of financial advisers see economic conditions improving over the next 12 months. 69% believe the coalition’s current economic plan improving economic conditions over the next 12 months (slightly hardening from the 65% in 2013).

With an election around the corner, the economic plans of the coalition may be here to stay or about to end. We asked our respondents who they would vote for if an election was held tomorrow. Politically, financial advisers back the Conservative party (46%) across the UK as a whole and the Scottish National Party (42%) in Scotland. Labour, LibDems and Greens all tie behind the Conservatives in the UK, and the only challenger to SNP in Scotland is Labour.

With Europe playing a key role in the fortune of the main parties, with UKIP snapping at all parties heels on the subject, we also asked how advisers would vote if there was a referendum on Europe. 59% of financial advisers would vote to remain in the EU in a referendum (up from 49% in 2013). 28% would vote for exit.

To receive a copy of the full report please register for our newsletter here if you are an investor or here if you are an adviser.

If you’re want to read more about how we create a sustainable democracy why not read our 2014 Guide to the subject.

Photo: shining.darkness via Flickr

Further reading:

General election: public debate to explore how the internet affects voting

General election: Green Party turns to the crowd to raise funds

Vote for Policies launches ahead of General Election

Davey: low-carbon economy within reach

Report urges tech firms to embrace circular economy