Asian investors opt to invest more than spend and save

They invest more compared to their Europeans and American counterparts.

Asian investors have the greatest propensity to make further investments rather than spend and save their incomes compared to their counterparts in Europe or America, according to Schroders Global Investor Study.

32% of investors in Asia made investing a top priority compared to 20% of Europeans and 19% of Americans.

This continental differences manifest as Asian markets crowd the list of those who choose to make investing their top priority, with China and Taiwan tied at the top spot with 45%.

Hong Kong follows closely at 39%, with Japan trailing at 38% and Singapore at 30%.

Meanwhile, only 17% in the United States and United Kingdom make investment their top priority.

More Asian investors also choose to direct their hard-earned money to further investments than secure it in a savings account with 45% of Chinese and Taiwan investors choosing to invest rather than the 11% who opt to save.

This trend follows across most Asian countries as investing is more popular than saving: Indonesia (21% versus 12%); Japan (38% vs 17%); Hong Kong (39% versus 17%); Singapore (30% versus 16%); and Thailand (24% versus 23%).

South Korea was the notable exception to the rule as only 12% choose to direct their income to further investments compared to the higher 19% who prefer to save.

Some investors choose to direct their income to clear off debt with Canada topping the list globally at 18% followed by South Africa at 17%.

However, there are some who choose to spend their income on big-ticket luxuries like Austria wherein 21% named it as top priority.

It was of least importance in Taiwan and Indonesia where only 2% and 4%, respectively, made it their primary concern.

“It is encouraging that nearly 40% of investors globally are going to make either further investing or saving a priority in the next year. In contrast, only 11% are prioritising luxury spending. If people can make regular saving and investing a habit, it will ultimately make it far easier for them to realise their financial goals,” said Schroders Head of Public Policy Sheila Nicoll.