At a moment of extraordinary financial and political uncertainty, this year’s launch revealed how investors are really feeling and what that means for the year ahead.
Delivered in partnership by research and insight consultancy The Nursery, and strategic communications agency AML, 2025 marks the sixth year of the Investor Index. To launch this year’s research, clients & professionals from across the financial services industry were invited to a panel discussion offering a timely and essential look into UK investor confidence.
Key findings from 2025
In 2025, investor confidence remains steady despite political turmoil and market shocks. Investors are driven by mindset, long-term goals, and diversified strategies. Younger investors and women lead with high confidence levels. Self-reliance is evolving with support from expert input and AI tools. Intenders, those with resources but lacking confidence, need clearer pathways and a reframing of risk to start investing. Overall, confidence is rewired, anchored in a more intentional and resilient mindset.
Confidence Holds Steady Amidst Chaos
Despite political turmoil and market shocks like the tariffs’ crisis, investor confidence has remained steady in 2025. Investors are now driven more by mindset than by markets, investing through the noise with long-term goals and diversified strategies. Younger investors, most of whom have only known turbulence since they started investing, lead with the highest confidence levels recorded, and women are increasingly empowered and engaged.
Intentional Investing Replaces Impulse
Investors in 2025 are more selective, with a focus on long-term resilience over novelty. While NFTs and collectibles play a minimal role, stocks remain the foundation of portfolios with commodities and infrastructure gaining interest. ESG considerations are rising, especially among younger investors and women, indicating a more forward-looking outlook. Although ESG remains a low priority, with investors ultimately prioritising long-term growth and performance.
Supported Self-Reliance
In 2025, 47% of investors are putting more money to work through financial advisors and DIY platforms. Self-research remains dominant, but many are supplementing it with professional advice and AI tools like ChatGPT. Trust is shifting towards more structured, accessible sources, with a decline in reliance on informal voices like friends and family.
Political Impact and Divided Perspectives
The UK and US elections have had a tangible impact on investor portfolios, with 99% acknowledging the effects of at least one of either the UK or US elections. However, perspectives are divided; men are more likely to say the US election shaped their outlook, while with younger investors seeing political change as a positive force. Older investors are more negative, particularly with regard to the UK election, due to new tax reforms and a feeling that they are worse off.
Intenders Holding Back
Intenders, those with reasonable levels of savings but lacking the confidence to invest, remain a high-potential group. They are held back by risk aversion and uncertainty but are open to both digital and traditional guidance. Most are willing to pay for financial advice, showing a clear appetite for learning. They need simpler products, lower fees, and more accessible pathways to get started.
If you would like to get in touch to find out more about The Investor Index and receive a copy of the full report, please contact us on hello@the-nursery.net