In the first quarter of 2026, 30% of UK investors contributed more to their portfolios than usual, according to a survey. However, 14% plan to invest less in the next three months, with living costs and changes in personal circumstances cited as common factors influencing investment changes over the past three months, research indicates. The exact timeframes for the 'next three months' mentioned in the survey are not specified, and how the average contribution of £2,413 compares to previous quarters or years remains unclear.
Geopolitical factors, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, have prompted volatility in financial markets and concerns over rising prices, multiple reports note. What specific geopolitical events beyond this conflict are affecting investor decisions is unknown. A significant awareness gap exists regarding investment fees: 63% of UK investors do not know what they are paying in investment fees, a survey found, even though low charges are a number one priority for them.
How these fee awareness levels vary across different demographics of UK investors is not detailed, and the breakdown of investment types among the surveyed investors is unspecified. According to a press release, Manuel Pardavila-Gonzalez, managing director of investments at Scottish Widows, described that 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.