Over half (55%) of prospective investors in the UK say they feel anxious when making investment decisions, Capital.com has found.

The online trading platform’s latest Beyond Access survey found that 66% of prospective investors recognise that keeping their savings in low-risk accounts may mean missing out on long-term returns.

Capital.com’s findings come after the Chancellor confirmed in last week’s Budget that the annual cash ISA limit will stay at £20,000 for savers of all ages, reversing the ISA reforms planned for April 2027, including the cut to £12,000 for under 65s.

The Government is also set to work with industry to explore a new ISA incentive for people investing in a stocks and shares ISA for the first time.

In the 2024/25 tax year, savers paid £96.5bn into cash ISAs and £37.2bn into stocks and shares ISAs, according to HMRC data.

UK CEO at Capital.com, Rupert Osborne, stated: "Keeping the Cash ISA allowance at £20,000 leaves the choice between cash and investing with savers, and the proposed ISA incentive puts the focus on people investing for the first time. The question our study asks is what helps people once they reach the point of decision.

"UK savers already understand what cash can cost them over time. What they tell us is that they want help they can trust when they are unsure, and the time to decide at their own pace. Supporting people beyond access means getting that moment right, including when the right decision is to wait."

Capital.com also found that 61% of prospective investors worry about making an investment decision they will later regret, while 55% feel overwhelmed at the amount of investment information available.

Over two thirds (68%) said the ability to speak with an expert at moments of uncertainty would be helpful, and 66% said a clear explanation shown before confirming a decision would be extremely or very helpful.

Osborne concluded: "A considered decision includes knowing when to act, when to wait and when to seek guidance. Plain explanations, access to expert support at moments of uncertainty and a clear view of the goals behind an investment can help people decide on their own terms. At Capital.com, our role, within the regulatory framework we operate under, is to support that through clearer communication and platform design that avoids unnecessary urgency."

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