Less than half (45 per cent) of independent financial advisers (IFA) have described the current investment environment as "good", as they adopt a cautious stance towards current investment opportunities, Opinium has found.

The firm said that this cautious outlook points to a "conservative approach" as advisers prioritise stability and ongoing economic uncertainties.

Among global markets, the survey of 200 financial advisers found that the UK tops the list as the most attractive destination, with 33 per cent of IFAs indicating that it holds the best buying opportunities over the next 12 months.

Emerging markets and the US follow closely, each at 25 per cent, with Opinium stating that showing an interest in diversified regions that IFAs believe can "provide relative resilience".

However, it added that the UK highlights a "continued confidence" in its market potential even in an unpredictable global landscape.

The survey also revealed that one in four (25 per cent) expect investment opportunities to improve in the year ahead, reflecting restrained growth expectations.

Additionally, 79 per cent of IFAs reported that they are not actively pursuing new clients, suggesting a strategic shift towards nurturing existing portfolios rather than expanding client bases in a potentially volatile environment.

Opinium also stated that many advisers are showing signs of rejecting cryptocurrency, with 1 per cent identifying it as a top buying opportunity.

The firm said that this indicates a move away from high-risk assets in favour of more stable options.

Opinium global head of financial services research, Alexa Nightingale, said: "We’re seeing IFAs adopt a more conservative outlook, reflecting both caution and strategic prioritisation in today’s economic climate.

"With the UK leading as the preferred investment destination, advisers are clearly focusing on markets they see as resilient and potentially lucrative in the near term.

"The rejection of speculative investments, like cryptocurrency, underscores a broader trend towards risk management, with advisers prioritising stability over rapid growth.

"As we look to the next 12 months, it’s evident that the focus is on careful selection and safeguarding client portfolios against volatility."

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