Geopolitical tensions and new Covid-19 variants top investor concerns

Investors reluctant to change portfolios

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 ...