The largest fall in sentiment towards UK asset classes since November 2014 was recorded this month.
According to the monthly Lloyds Bank Private Banking Investor Sentiment Index, eight out of ten asset classes showed a drop in investor sentiment.

UK shares saw the biggest decline, falling 11 percentage points from last month to 26%.

The report said the second biggest decline in sentiment towards UK asset classes was UK government bonds at 12%, a monthly decrease of 4 percentage points. International shares remained strong, with Eurozone shares and Japanese shares reporting the only increases.

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Eurozone shares recorded the largest improvement for the third consecutive month of over 5pp, but the net balance still remained in negative territory (-23%).

Despite large declines, net sentiment was strongest for UK property at 47%, whilst UK shares also remained strong at 26%.

Commodities saw the largest monthly increase in returns of 8%, a significant shift for the asset class, possibly helped by the recent rise of crude oil prices.

This was followed by Japanese shares and emerging market shares both sitting at 1%.

Ashish Misra, head of investment strategy at Lloyds Bank private banking, said: "The results paint an interesting picture as a snapshot for UK asset classes. Having recorded their worst performance since November 2014 across all asset classes, the results show investor unease due to potential economic and post- election uncertainty in the UK in May.

"However, Eurozone shares and Japanese shares have displayed positive performances and have gained from the halo effect arising around the outcome of elections in the UK. With continued significant improvement in net sentiment scores for Eurozone shares, the asset class could be the one to watch out for with a potential to extend and sustain the current upward trend in the coming months, unless it hits an unexpected stumbling block."