The majority of UK investors are fearing the current international political landscape is making investment markets more volatile, according to new research from HYCM.

The trading broker commissioned an independent survey amongst more than 750 UK investors – all of whom hold at least £10,000 of investment assets, not including pensions, savings or property – to discover how they were planning their financial strategies in 2020.

The survey found that 57% of investors believe the current international political landscape is making investment markets more volatile – with the results coming amidst the implications of Brexit, escalating military tensions in the Middle East between the US and Iran, and the ongoing US-China trade war. Thirty-six per cent of investors indicated they planned to restructure their portfolios throughout the year to account for any volatility.

Three in 10 UK investors indicated their investment portfolios had not performed as they were expected in 2019, while 32% of respondents suggested Brexit would negatively impact their investment portfolio in 2020.

The survey revealed that another 36% of investors said they were relying on financial advisors to guide their investment decisions.

HYCM chief currency analyst, Giles Coghlan, said: “If the opening weeks of 2020 are any indication of what’s to come, with strong safe haven bids into gold, investors are in for another eventful year. Domestic and international political events can have a profound impact on the financial markets, sharply influencing the value of assets and currencies around the world.

“In times of volatility, investors need to be versatile; they must keep a keen eye on political events, and when necessary, adjust and adapt their portfolio to changing market conditions. However, this should not be viewed in a negative light. As we have seen in the past, a downturn in one market can also lead to an opening in another.”

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