Four out of five (78%) independent financial advisers (IFAs) believe the 10% baseline tariff that Donald Trump has imposed on imports from countries across the world, including the UK, will make clients less likely to invest.

This is according to new data from Opinium’s latest IFA barometer, which was based on an online survey of 200 UK IFAs during April.

As a result of the tariffs announced by the US administration, 27% of IFAs think that investors are likely to move their money into cash. The findings also indicated three 30% think they will invest less than usual while 40% expect to see an uptick in those seeking financial advice.

Less than one in five (18%) of IFAs think that the US presents the best buying opportunities for investors, down from 40% in December 2024.

Global head of financial services research at Opinium, Alexa Nightingale, commented: “The tariffs imposed by the US are clearly shaking investor confidence, with a majority of advisers warning that clients may pull back or move into cash.

“It’s telling that optimism about US investment opportunities has more than halved since December — a stark reflection of the uncertainty these trade measures have triggered.

“While the recent UK-US trade agreement offers some relief by reducing tariffs on key sectors like aerospace and automotive, the broader 10% baseline tariff remains in place, leaving many investors cautious about future prospects.”

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