Friends Provident International, the global life assurance, pensions and investment firm, has released its latest study revealing that Singaporeans are now more optimistic about investing compared to six months ago.

In a poll that drew responses from over 1500 global expatriates and high net worth investors across Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE, 76 per cent of affluent investors in Singapore said they are looking forward to increasing their retirement savings moving forward. 

The heightened interest, the study said, could be in preparation to the possible rise in inflation in the third quarter.

Compared to six months ago, around 53 per cent of affluent Singapore investors are now more positive about the investment market, with 50 per cent of respondents expecting the climate to improve over the next half year. 

Female investors also showed to have a higher risk tolerance than their male counterparts, with 24 per cent preferring high risk/high return strategies over just 14 per cent of men. It is also the women who are more upbeat about the future of investment markets, with 58 per cent noting improvements compared to 50 per cent of men. Fifty-eight per cent of the women also said that the next six months would turn out positive, over only 44 per cent of the men. 

Gold emerged as the most preferred investment class, followed by money market funds and cash and equities. Property was also mentioned as a viable investment.

"It is now more important than ever for consumers to seek professional advice to ensure they prioritise their goals in order to navigate the challenging environment and prepare for the uncertainties ahead," said Chris Gill, principal officer and general manager for South East Asia at Friends Provident International.

The Friends Provident International Investors Attitudes Index survey was conducted from 2010 to 2012 by Ignition House, a specialist financial services market research agency, and SKOPOS, a market research consultancy firm.