Market confidence slump is opportunity for IFAs: Axa

Market turmoil has eroded investor confidence but this presents IFAs with a prime opportunity, according to Axa Wealth.

Only 23% of adults have the confidence to take financial decisions without advice, Axa Wealth's Omnibus Survey of 2,066 people says.

When asked about stock market volatility, 25% of people surveyed with £50,000 or more invested were worried about the security of their money, Axa says.

Of those with £75,000 or more invested, 16% were looking for some sort of guarantee to protect their capital.

However, demand for stock market investment was still high. Of those with £50,000 or more invested, 54% believe the markets will outperform cash over the next five to ten years, the research says.

Mike Kellard, chief executive officer of AXA Wealth said: "It is clear with interest rates on cash holdings close to zero, inflation close to 5%, and investor anxiety there may be greater downside to investing in the current market than potential upside gains, this is the very time for IFAs to demonstrate real value."

Skandia claims IFAs are less sure about the strength of the stock markets than they were in the last quarter, with confidence down 5% since Q2 according to research.