Malaysians positive in reaching investment goals

KUALA LUMPUR: A strong majority of Malaysians are optimistic in reaching their investment goals, according to a survey by Franklin Templeton Investments.

The fund manager's Global Investor Sentiment Survey (GISS) for 2015, 81% of Malaysian respondents were confident of achieving their financial goals with retirement, purchasing a new home and investing in or starting a business to be their top investment goals. 

The findings also show that 64% of Malaysians viewed having investment manager with risk management as "very important" to them. 

However, the survey also found a growing sense of conservatism among local investors this year, with 71%said they would be adopting a more conservative investment strategy in 2015 compared with 55% of the investors globally. 

Malaysians were found to be more cautious towards the local stock market, with 39% expecting the equity market would be down this year vis a vis 31% thinking the market will be up and 30% believing it will be flat. 

The Franklin Templeton GISS is one of the largest investor sentiment surveys and pooled over 11,508 investors globally across Asia Pacific,the Americas, Europe and Africa, including 500 Malaysians.

The survey is a barometer of the respective country's perception towards investing and expectations for 2015 and beyond.