Business in Berkshire - "Feelgood Factor" Leads to Renewed Interest in Equities

The UK stock market has attracted more interest from private investors over the last couple of months, following a recent lack of confidence.

Figures from Capita Registrars have revealed that private investors increased their holdings by £2.6 billion during August and September, marking a significant move away from the trend witnessed in the previous six months, when investors sold £9.9 billion worth of shares.

Commenting on the trend, Capita Registrars' director John Roundhill explained that private investors were largely risk-averse.

"The stormy start to the year prompted them to shy away from equities but the stock market entered much calmer waters over the summer with the FTSE 100 barely moving during August and September," he revealed.

"A reinvigorated housing market and good economic growth have created something of a feel-good factor which, coupled with greater stock market stability, have encouraged investors back into equities."

Mr Roundhill added that the increase was equivalent to £100 for every UK household, with private investors now holding £206 billion in shares between them.

The director also revealed that private individuals had added £2.3 billion worth of financial stocks to their holdings over the last two months, reflecting the renewed confidence in the stock market overall, while healthcare, oil, gas, consumer goods, utilities and telecoms stocks also enjoyed strong demand.

However, IT, industrial and consumer services all experienced a slump, with investors selling £2.7 billion worth of stocks.

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[ "Feelgood Factor" Leads to Renewed Interest in Equities ]