The BNY Mellon-sponsored study, which was carried out in January, sought the views of 730 investors in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
When asked for their 12-month outlook, 38% of respondents said the global economy would improve at a quicker rate than in 2012, while a further 34% said it would grow, but at a slower pace than last year. Just 13% expected an economic contraction in 2013.
The results indicate a strong upturn in investor sentiment since 2012, when just 57% of survey respondents expected global expansion, and 24% forecast economic contraction. Asian investors had the most upbeat outlook this year, followed by Europeans and North Americans.
Other findings include:
- Investors are most bullish on the US, in terms of anticipated asset price growth;
- Respondents expect equities to be the strongest-performing asset class this year; and
- Almost two-thirds of European investors agree with the statement: “Rising income disparities pose a threat to global capitalism”.
A copy of The Search for Growth: Balancing Yield and Risk in Uncertain Times can be downloaded here.
