BOV Asset Management Investor Sentiment Index for Malta launched
BOV Asset Management launched the first edition of the Investor Sentiment Index for Malta during a Breakfast meeting at Hilton, Malta.
Results of the first survey, which was conducted by MISCO International were presented by Lawrence Zammit. Participants included BOV representatives, stockbrokers and representatives from local insurance companies.
In his introductory speech, Mark Vella, Head Business and Marketing at BOV Asset Management explained that, “The need for this Index has been felt for quite a while on the local market, and it is a great satisfaction for us at BOV Asset Management, to be the ones to launch this investor sentiment index in Malta.”
Thanking MISCO for their sterling work, Mr Vella explained that, “We are committed to conduct this research on a semiannual basis, thereby enabling all key players to keep abreast investor sentiment, and take action necessary.”
Lawrence Zammit gave an overview of the research, which is based on the feedback of over 300 investors from across Malta and Gozo. The exercise showed that the Maltese investor has a clear preference for local investment, with a predominantly conservative appetite. In fact, almost half of the respondents claimed to capitalise on government stocks. It was positive to note that over the past five years, there was a trend for younger investors to join the market. “Most investors in Malta use an intermediary, be it a financial institution or consultant, with only 10% having the confidence to invest on without seeking advice.”
A closer look at the objective for investing among the interviewees shows that roughly half of them engage in investment activity solely to generate an additional source of income. However, there is a good proportion of them who look upon investment to increase their capital as well.
“Generally speaking, Maltese investors do not feel extremely positive about the current local investment market. This is mainly due to decreasing return on investment. However, there is an increased positive sentiment about the return for the coming 12 months.”
Speaking at the end of the presentation, Mark Agius, Executive Head BOV Asset Management thanked Mr Zammit and the research team at MISCO. He said that, “Investment has become an integral part of the financial services offering by BOV Group. BOV Asset Management is strengthening its position on the local market, not only by launching new products and services to the individual investor like the BOV Portfolio Funds but also by extending its licence to offer investment to institutional and corporate clients.” “The BOV Asset Management Investor Sentiment Index will definitely serve as an important tool for the stakeholders to better understand the market, whilst helping us to design investment solutions that address better market demand,” concluded Mr Agius.