Fidelity International Survey: 45% of Asia-Pacific investors plan to increase stock investments in the next 12 months, with an expected average investment return of 6.5%

According to the Zhitong Finance APP, Fidelity International's "2025 Asia-Pacific Investor Survey" shows that nearly half (45%) of Asia-Pacific investors intend to increase their stock investments in the next 12 months, while Hong Kong investors prefer to maintain their current stock allocations. Additionally, one-quarter of Hong Kong respondents stated they would reduce investments this year. The survey also found that among investors reducing their holdings in U.S. stocks, more than half (56%) have shifted their funds to local markets, especially among mainland Chinese investors (67%), with 73% of Hong Kong investors reallocating to mainland and Hong Kong markets.

This survey was conducted in six Asia-Pacific markets, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Australia, aiming to understand the investment behavior and intentions of investors in the region.

In the region, 43% of respondents indicated that they have increased their savings since the beginning of the year, particularly among investors in Australia and mainland China. 39% of respondents have increased their investments this year. Stocks (67%) remain the most popular financial product among Asia-Pacific investors, followed by time deposits (60%) and insurance (57%). Since 2025, the average investment return for Asia-Pacific investors has been 3.2%, with returns for investors in Singapore, mainland China, and Australia during this period at 3.4%, 4.3%, and 5.8%, respectively, all above the regional average. The average return rate for Hong Kong investors is 2.4%.

The survey shows that 23% of Asia-Pacific investors have reduced their allocations to U.S. stocks since the beginning of the year, while another 23% revealed they have increased their allocations to U.S. stocks in response to market conditions, and 54% stated they have maintained their U.S. stock allocation since the beginning of the year. Regarding the attitudes of investors in different markets, more Hong Kong (37%) and Taiwan (30%) investors indicated they have reduced their U.S. stock allocations, while investors in Australia (38%) and Singapore (31%) tend to increase their U.S. stock holdings in response to market volatility.

39% of investors in the region are optimistic about the stock market outlook, expecting moderate gains in the next 12 months, with investors in Australia (69%) and mainland China (50%) being particularly optimistic. 23% anticipate a decline in the stock market, with Hong Kong (28%) and Taiwan (32%) investors being especially pessimistic. However, Hong Kong investors' interest in stock investments remains strong, with nearly half (44%) indicating they will maintain their stock allocations in the next 12 months, and 33% planning to increase their stock allocations. Additionally, 38% of Hong Kong investors intend to increase their time deposit allocations, reflecting a cautious sentiment among Hong Kong investors.

Asia-Pacific investors have fairly consistent intentions regarding the industries and markets they plan to invest in over the next 12 months, with the information technology sector being the top choice. In terms of markets, local stock markets are preferred, with 64% of Hong Kong investors intending to invest in mainland and Hong Kong markets, followed by the U.S. (31%) and global markets (17%).

Regarding investment expectations, Asia-Pacific investors anticipate an average investment return of 6.5% over the next 12 months, more than double the market return rate (3.2%) since the beginning of the year. Given that the proportion of investors in Hong Kong and Taiwan who are optimistic about the stock market outlook is relatively low, the expected investment returns over the next 12 months of 7.1% and 7.2%, respectively, seem somewhat unrealistic