Despite signs that the economy is sputtering back into life, nearly half of US investors believe they will run out of money at some point in their lifetime, according to a survey from BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

The results indicate a sharp increase in this belief from ten years ago when only 30 per cent (compared to 48 per cent today) believed their nest egg would be exhausted.

The survey, which was conducted on a sample of 637 adults who invest in the markets, doesn’t relate strictly to high net worth investors but reveals anxiety more generally among investors about the ability of the market to maintain standards of living.

For example, more than six in ten investors said Americans felt pessimistic about the markets, compared to fewer than four in ten who sensed optimism in the national mood.

Particularly, the survey found that worries about the markets and the economy were leading to delays in decisions about investing or planning, with 59 per cent of respondents saying they were waiting for conditions to improve before taking action.

Other reasons for procrastination are the upcoming presidential elections and potential changes to tax and interest rates.

However, what with the cost of sitting on cash, some would view these results as an opportunity for advisors to educate investors about planning for these uncertainties rather than delaying decisions because of them.

Leo Grohowski, BNY Mellon Wealth Management's chief investment officer, said there were several opportunities in the current market: "Shares in a number of US companies are still very reasonably valued on many historical metrics. And with the sell-off in emerging markets equities last year, we've been seeing opportunities in certain geographies and sectors.”

He also mentioned high-yield bonds, emerging market debt and strong dividends as potential sources of income outside of the traditional fixed income field.

Meanwhile, the current interest rate, valuation and tax environment lends itself to planning opportunities, said Jere Doyle, senior vice president at the firm and estate planning strategist for BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

"For example, given low interest rates, intra-family lending can be a compelling and timely estate planning opportunity. Bear in mind that transfer tax rates are likely to go up this year," said Doyle. "There are also a number of mortgage and credit strategies now, too, because of historically low interest rates. "