Intermediaries in the Middle East are less sanguine about prospects for the global economy this year, according to a new poll by Invesco Asset Management.

The hazy global economic outlook has dented the confidence of Middle East intermediaries, according to new research by Invesco.

After international events such as Greece's debt woes, Russia-Ukraine tensions and low oil prices came to the foreground, Middle Eastern intermediaries deemed market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty 2015's biggest threats to the industry.

Of the 171 retail intermediaries polled in the region, 52 per cent were concerned about global economic growth, compared to the one in four who felt the same way last year.

While almost half (46 per cent) of intermediaries noted a reduced risk appetite among investors this year, equities and multi-asset products were picked as the most favourable asset classes to navigate the economic climate. Indeed, 68 per cent of intermediaries expect investors to boost their multi-asset allocations over the next year.

Elsewhere, the US took on global “safe haven” status for investors, according to 62 per cent of intermediaries.

“In a continuously low-yield environment, with an uncertain economic outlook, multi-asset has the potential to offer risk-managed diversification. Equities continue to be ever popular, but the increased appetite for multi-asset is a significant trend, and one that we believe is here to stay,” said Invesco's head of Middle East, Nick Tolchard.