From Trump’s Trade tariffs to rising inflation, it’s fair to say the start of the year has seen much economic turbulence. However, a new survey has revealed that despite this, 80% of traders and investors still feel confident in their portfolios for the year ahead.
The national study, by FCA-regulated fintech and financial services provider, Trade Nation, polls investors and traders, looking at how confident they feel about the year ahead, as well as their biggest concerns and the industries they feel most confident in.
How confident do traders and investors feel about their portfolios?
Overall, the investors and traders included in this survey felt confident in their 2025 portfolios; 80% said they feel at least somewhat confident in making a positive return by the end of the year, with 34% strongly agreeing about making positive returns, and 46% somewhat agreeing.
Younger traders and investors seem more confident in their ability to make money in 2025 than older generations, though, with 24-34 year olds being the most optimistic age group (88% are positive). In contrast, only 66% of traders and investors over the age of 65 are confident about receiving positive returns from their portfolio this year.
What are the top concerns amongst investors and traders?
Despite the positivity, there are still some anxieties regarding trading and investing. The most common point of concern is the potential of an economic downturn or recession, with 53% agreeing that they’re worried about this. Other concerns include:
· Inflation: 46%
· Market manipulation & volatility: 40%
· Geopolitical instability: 36%
· Interest rate fluctuations: 36%
· AI and automation disrupting industries: 19%
Furthermore, with AI growing in its capabilities, over half (51%) at least somewhat agree that, eventually, AI and robo-advisors will be able to outperform human investors.
Which industries have the most confidence from traders and investors?
Looking at the most desirable sectors, those surveyed believe that technological innovation will be of particular interest in 2025. This lines up with increased interest in the tech sector over the last several years.
When asked to pick up to three industries they feel most confident in, 36% of traders and investors said they feel positively about technology investments this year, making it the top sector that respondents will be looking out for. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies ranked second, with 32% of investors and traders feeling positive. Other industries that investors and traders feel confident in include:
· AI and Automation: 31%
· Real Estate and Property: 23%
· Renewable Energy: 21%
· Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech: 19%
What factors are influencing investing decisions?
To no surprise, the potential for profit is the most common factor influencing investing decisions, with 57% of respondents saying this. Market trends and company financials/stability ranked joint-second (56%). Further influences included:
· Company ethics and sustainability: 30%
· Recommendations from social media: 19%
30% of those polled say that a company’s ethics and sustainability practices affected their investing choices, with 25-34 year olds being the most mindful of their portfolio’s morals (37% list it as a major factor).
David Morrison, Senior Trade Analyst from Trade Nation comments, “Our survey highlights the positive sentiment traders and investors feel about the year ahead, despite a fairly turbulent start to the year traders are remaining confident on making positive returns across their portfolio. With the growing advancements in AI, it’s also no surprise to see that traders are listing this industry as the one they feel most confident in.”
Further findings from the study can be found here: https://tradenation.com/en-gb/articles/state-of-trading-survey-2025/
