The study indicated that in 2012, 38 per cent of the adult Australian population invested either directly or indirectly in the Australian share market – declining from 43 per cent total share ownership in 2010. However, share ownership remains the preferred asset class for personal investments.
Investor confidence was also down, with 42 per cent saying they intended to buy shares in the short term, compared to 62 per cent in 2010. Despite the overall decline, the study found that 43 per cent of those surveyed believed it was “a good time to hold on to shares”.
Among countries which include the United States, the UK, Hong Kong, Germany, Sweden and New Zealand, Australia continues to have one of the highest levels of share ownership in the world, according to the study.
The research also found investors from higher income households were more likely to directly invest in shares, with 40 per cent of those having an annual income of between $100,000 and $200,000, and 58 per cent having an annual income of more than $200,000.
In addition, the ASX indicated males are more likely to invest in shares, with 40 per cent being direct share owners compared to 28 per cent of females. The researched also showed the likelihood of share ownership increases with age, with incidence peaking in the 65 to 74 age bracket.
For investors who sought advice in 2012, financial planners and advisers were the most common source – used by 18 per cent of respondents, according to the ASX – while the use of online retail brokers continues to grow.
