Mostly sunny

US investors are feeling confident

Q2 2019

Optimism on the US economy dips, but higher than global outlook

US economy: 1Q19 56% optimistic vs. 4Q18 62% optimistic
Global economy: 1Q19 37% optimistic

Stock market optimism by region

Asia 60%, Europe (except Switzerland) 47%, Switzerland 36%, US 57%, Latin America 75%

US investors hold significant cash...

23% of portfolios are in cash

...but most see volatility as an opportunity

65% “I see stock market volatility as an opportunity.”

More investors want in than out

26% “I plan to invest more in the next 6 months.” vs. 12% “I plan to invest less in the next 6 months.”

Sustainable investing on the rise

% of portfolio in sustainable investments

14% 5 years ago
18% Now

Top investor concerns

56% Political environment
49% National debt
39% Healthcare costs

Business owner spotlight

Owners optimistic about their business and plan to grow over the next 12 months

1Q19 17% optimistic 19% neutral 6% pessimistic vs. 4Q18 78% optimistic 15% neutral 7% pessimistic
20% “I plan to hire more.” vs. 10% “I plan to downsize my workforce.”

More than 1 in 3 business owners plan to sell or pass on their business in the next 5 years

35% Within 5 years
31% 6+ years
22% Don’t plan on selling or passing on business
12% Not sure

Top business concerns

56% Healthcare costs
51% Cyber security
48% Taxes

Are you seizing investment opportunities in today’s market? Talk to your UBS Financial Advisor.


About the survey

UBS surveyed 400 investors and 100 business owners in the US with at least $1M in investable assets (for investors) or at least $250k in annual revenue and at least one employee other than themselves (for business owners), from March 10 - 14, 2019. For the 4Q18 results, UBS surveyed 506 investors and 201 business owners in the US with at least $1M in investable assets (for investors) or at least $250k in annual revenue and at least one employee other than themselves (for business owners), from November 9 - 12, 2018.