Nearly half of personal investors are worried by the result of EU referendum, polling has suggested.

But the online research carried out over the last 7 days by The Share Centre also found 56% were happy with the outcome.

One month on from the vote, the survey of 1,975 personal investors showed that 73% of personal investors were surprised by the result.

Some 50% said the impact of the vote to leave has been better than expected, while 49% were worried.

The Share Centre said the referendum has affected attitudes to investing, citing the following results:

· 35% changed their investment decisions in the run up to the referendum
· 44% see the market volatility as creating positive buying opportunities, compared to 23% who feel it has made them more reluctant to invest
· 33% say it has made them less confident in making investment decisions
48% are concerned about the impact of a further interest rate cut
· 51% are concerned about the devaluation of Sterling
· A cut in interest rates would make 18% more likely to invest in 'risk assets' such as equities, bonds or property, and it would make 36% more likely to move a Cash ISA into such asset classes.

Investors, meanwhile, welcomed the new Conservative administration, with
81% saying Theresa May and Philip Hammond will be able to restore market confidence and 50% believing the new team will be able to navigate a positive Brexit outcome for the UK.

Richard Stone, chief executive of The Share Centre, said: "It is often said that personal investors are prone to buying at the top and selling at the bottom, but the results of the survey suggest otherwise, with 40% seeing positive buying opportunities in the volatility which followed the vote to leave.

“This positive reaction is underpinned by the fact that 50% say the impact on their investments has been better than expected, and also by a ringing endorsement for Theresa May and the government she has put together.

“Nearly half are worried about the consequences of the referendum, and this finding is further reflected in the fact that one in three personal investors now feels less confident in making investment decisions.

“In short the survey shows that, like the markets themselves, personal investors have responded well to the outcome of the referendum. Many have seen buying opportunities, the vast majority view the new Conservative government positively and overall they have a sense that, while the result came as a surprise, it has turned out to be better than they expected."