IFAs favour emerging and Asian equities for 2010

IFAs are backing emerging market and Asian equities for the best returns in 2010, according to research by Henderson New Star.

Two thirds (64%) of advisers and 61% of personal investors believe Asia and the developing markets will offer the greatest investment opportunities going forward, survey results suggest.

Commercial property is the next favourite among both advisers (16%) and personal investors (9%).

Of the 364 respondents to the online survey, only 4.5% believe UK equities will outperform.

No advisers said they would be looking towards cash this year, and both advisers and investors also shunned government bonds (4%) and investment grade bonds (4%).

Simon Hillenbrand, director of UK retail, says; "This research shows that the potential of emerging market equities and Asian equities is well recognised with investors and advisers.

"Historically, investors have been confident with familiar markets such as the UK, however, investor attitudes maybe changing."