Barclays Stockbrokers launches new online tool to help investors make their own decisions

- Barclays launches ‘Investment Selector’ tool designed to help investors choose from those investments offered by Barclays Stockbrokers which most closely reflect the risk and reward profile that they have identified as their own

- New research shows that over three-fifths of ISA investors have bought online

- Over half (51%) of investors would like to make their own choices when it comes to stock market investments

Barclays Stockbrokers has announced that it has launched ‘Investment Selector’, an online investment tool, which is designed to enable self-directed investors to easily access a range of products, and packages that is consistent with the risk and reward profile which they have identified as their own. This tool is now available to mark the beginning of this year’s ISA season.

Aimed at self directed investors, who would like occasional help when choosing investments but do not feel that they need the help that an adviser offers, the facility points investors towards balanced investment packages or products that most closely match their own attitudes to risk and reward. It does this by asking them a series of questions which permit them to identify their own risk profile, and different types of investment return required. This is not a substitute for investment advice and is a tool designed for investors who have the confidence to make their own decisions.

New research* from Barclays Stockbrokers, which coincides with the launch of Barclays Investment Selector, reveals that almost two thirds (65%) of current ISA investors would welcome an online investment tool which would help them to make their investment decisions without incurring the cost of advice. Of these investors 58% have consulted an independent financial adviser and 77% are already investing directly via the internet.

It is also becoming an increasing trend for investors to make their own investment decisions, with over a half (51%) saying that they already make their own choices when it comes to stock market investments and a further one in six (17%) declaring that they want to be more involved in the process. This is particularly pertinent because 46% of investors claim that they have come to the same conclusion as an IFA when making investment decisions.

Amy Nauiokas, MD and Head of Barclays Stockbrokers commented: “For years now we have seen people embracing the online revolution in almost all aspects of their lives - we pay bills and bank online, we book holidays and do our grocery shopping on the internet. Online investing is the next logical step, and whilst many of our clients think nothing of doing this on a regular basis, Barclays Investment Selector will help bridge the gap for those new to direct investing and for those less experienced. We have a huge array of products available, and Investment Selector has been designed to help clients easily locate a range of investments that might be right for them - it may even highlight products which they have previously disregarded. We appreciate that our clients like to do a lot of their own research and this will only add to their range of tools available on our site to promote informed decision making.”

Furthermore, the research also demonstrates that online investments are becoming increasingly popular with over three fifths (62%) of respondents saying they have used online services in the past, 44% of them regularly investing and reviewing their investments in this way.

Investment Selector provides a menu of every investment product available on Barclays Funds Market – including individual funds and fund baskets, Investment Notes, investment trusts, individual shares, spreads and CFDs in every sector.

* Research conducted by YouGov amongst 1130 ISA investors between 6th-9th February 2007.

- Ends -

Notes to Editors

About Barclays Stockbrokers Funds Market
Funds Market is Barclays Stockbrokers’ fund supermarket platform. Through the platform, clients can invest in funds (unit trusts and OEICs) at discounted initial charges. There are two ways to invest. Either choose your own funds and select over 600 funds from 32 fund managers; or buy a Funds Dealing Package, a pre-selected group of four funds with similar investment objectives around Income, Growth or Protection.

Barclays Stockbrokers has also developed a Funds Research Centre, which provides data from leading funds specialists, Financial Express and Citywire, and also offers funds news, verdicts and comprehensive analytical tools designed to help clients make the right investment decisions.

About Barclays Stockbrokers
Barclays Stockbrokers is the UK’s largest execution-only retail broker, offering retail investors a wide range of products including shares, funds, CFDs, Financial Spread Trading, covered warrants and investment accounts like SIPPs, PEPs, ISAs.

Barclays Stockbrokers is part of Barclays Wealth.


For further information contact:

Caroline Wells
PR contact
Barclays Wealth
Tay House
30 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4LH

020 7114 7435