One In Two Private Investors Bullish Despite Recent Market Fluctuations

One in two private investors (57%) believes that the FTSE 100 will rise over the next three months, according to a recent survey by Barclays Stockbrokers (http://www.stockbrokers.barclays.co.uk ). The survey indicates that investors remain positive overall, even though the FTSE has dropped by almost 10% since its April high of 6132 points.

Barclays Stockbrokers (http://www.stockbrokers.barclays.co.uk ) asked investors how they think the FTSE will fare within the next three months:

57% of respondents believe the FTSE will rise
23% believe the FTSE’s value will drop over the next three months
20% expect that there will be little change in the FTSE’s value

Henk Potts, Equity Strategist, Barclays Stockbrokers, said:

“Despite a solid performance from the FTSE over the past 18 months, it would be understandable if investors’ confidence had been rocked by the recent volatility. Concerns over the triple threat of rising inflation, higher interest rates and falling commodity prices have been behind the significant correction. However, long-term investors have much to be positive about when it comes to the UK stock market. Its valuation still looks attractive, the dividend yield remains supportive, and interest rates are low in historical terms. On top of all that, we continue to see a healthy dose of merger activity, so investors should be rewarded over the long term for their confidence.”

The question about the FTSE’s likely performance was displayed on Barclays Stockbrokers website from 19 May to 25 May 2006. 2,400 visitors to the website participated in the survey.

For further information or quotes contact:
Caroline Wells
PR Manager, Barclays Wealth Management
020 7114 7435
Notes for Editors

About Barclays Stockbrokers (http://www.stockbrokers.barclays.co.uk )

Barclays Stockbrokers (http://www.stockbrokers.barclays.co.uk ) is the UK’s largest execution only retail broker. It holds the following current awards:

Investors Chronicle Broker of the Year 2005
Proshare Best Stockbroker and Best Online Broker (2005)
Shares Magazine Execution Only Broker of the Year (2005) (voted for by readers)

About Barclays Wealth Management
Barclays Wealth Management is the leading wealth manager in the UK with £78.3bn assets under management (2005). It is made up of a number of businesses that provide customers with a comprehensive range of solutions covering private banking, investment, life and pensions to meet their financial planning needs, in the UK and overseas.

Barclays Wealth Management is part of Barclays PLC, one of the largest financial services companies in the world by market capitalisation. Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services. Operating in over 60 countries and employing over 113,000 people, we move, lend, invest and protect money for over 25 million customers and clients worldwide.