Online retail investors shift to defensive assets amidst uncertainty

Active online investors in the retail space have declined to 840,000 from 900,000.

Retail online investors are shifting towards defensive assets, highlighting a strategic approach to risk amidst the market’s uncertainties.

This cautiousness is juxtaposed with investors' optimism towards the Hang Seng Index (HSI), which they believe will see a 0.4% rise.

According to Investment Trends, retail online investors forecast a 0.4% rise in the Hang Seng Index (HSI) for the next year, reflecting confidence despite retail participation declining from 900,000 to 840,000 active online investors.

Another trend Investment Trends have observed is that investors pursuing diversification are embracing international equities, with a notable focus on the US market.

Online investors accounted for 48% of international shares investors in November 2023.

Hong Kong’s online investing landscape has also become characterised by an unprecedented level of switching between brokers as investors focus on trade execution quality and higher returns on cash accounts.

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