Geopolitical tensions and new Covid-19 variants top investor concerns

Investors reluctant to change portfolios

clock • 2 min read

Fears of a new wave of increasingly contagious strains of Covid-19 have knocked investor confidence, with few prepared to make any changes to their portfolio.

A poll by interactive investor of 1,617 visitors to its website between 17 and 23 August 2021 found 57% had concerns over the impact further outbreaks of Covid-19 would have on their portfolio. New variants of the virus topped the list of concerns for almost a quarter of the respondents, while almost a third said they were concerned about both new variants and a new wave of the virus. A fifth of those that took part in the poll said they would be increasing their exposure to the stock market, confident that markets will need to get used to Covid-related shocks. However, 65% confirmed ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

How quality investing behaves through the cycle

How quality investing behaves through the cycle

Resilience when it matters more

Joseph Stephens and Laura Neill
clock 14 September 2026 • 4 min read
Why portfolios need to evolve, not revolve when it comes to client outcomes

Why portfolios need to evolve, not revolve when it comes to client outcomes

'As market structures evolve, so must portfolio construction'

Ed Senior
clock 11 September 2026 • 4 min read
What does 'quality' investing actually mean?

What does 'quality' investing actually mean?

Why persistence is the real test

Joseph Stephens and Laura Neill
clock 11 September 2026 • 4 min read