Three in ten (30%) investors contributed more to their portfolios than they usually do in the first quarter of 2026, with half (50%) reporting positive returns, according to a new study.
Looking ahead, a further 30% plan to increase the amount they invest in the next three months, Scottish Widows research revealed.
It suggests a positive sentiment is set to continue into Q2, despite the geopolitical events unfolding in the Middle East which continue to rattle markets.
Personal circumstances had a greater impact on people's shift in investments, compared to economic and geopolitical influences.
The figures have been revealed in the inaugural Scottish Widows Investment Pulse which surveyed more than 2,000 non-advised UK investors on their investment confidence, expectations, motivations and investment plans.
|
Factors influencing investment changes in the past three months |
Influence |
No influence |
|
Cost of living/ household expenses |
71% |
29% |
|
Change in personal financial circumstances |
66% |
34% |
|
Inflation |
63% |
37% |
|
Bank of England base rate |
50% |
50% |
|
UK fiscal policy/budget |
49% |
51% |
Source: Scottish Widows Investment Pulse
In the first three months of this year, investors contributed an average of £2,413 to their portfolios, while 19% reduced their investments, the survey showed. A fifth (21%) said they had made little or no changes to their portfolios in Q1.
Other investors chose to move some investments into cash (15%), invest more in individual shares (14%), Invest more in cryptocurrency (13%), or invest more in gold (11%).
In Q2, investors said they planned to invest an average of £2,920. Just 14% say they planned to reduce the amount they invested. More than four in ten (44%) expected their investments to perform well in the next quarter, rising to 54% when asked about performance expectations over the next year.
Leading factors driving these investors’ decisions include a desire to build their long-term wealth (44%) and a feeling that it is a ‘good time to invest’ (29%).
A quarter (24%) wer being driven by UK economic conditions, while others were maximising unused ISA allowances before tax year-end (23%).
Manuel Pardavila-Gonzalez, managing director of investments at Scottish Widows, said: “Despite a volatile market, investors demonstrated confidence in the first quarter of 2026 – increasing their investments even with geopolitical headwinds threatening international markets and potential returns.
“While uncertainty looks set to continue, more bullish investors are driven by their own financial motivations, not just global shocks – looking to increase the amount they invest to grow their wealth, support retirement savings or mitigate the cost of living.”
• The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2004 non-advised UK investors (Excluding private / personal pensions). The data was collected between 09.03.2026 and 16.03.2026.