Private investors reluctant to invest in stockmarket

The latest figures from AUTIF suggest private investors have become increasingly reluctant to invest in the stock market. Retail sales for last month were down 16% to £2.3bn compared to last year's figure of £2.7bn. Gross Isa sales were down 20% to £564m for last month compared to the previous year's figure of £703m. Total funds under management fell to £245.8bn this July from £253bn in June and £267.5bn in July of last year. On a more positive note, the figures reveal institutional players remain confident with industry sales edging up 2% to £4.6bn for July, up on last ye...