The TNS Investor Confidence Index rose to 116 in October, its highest level since hitting 129 in 2007.  The rise extends an upward trend from a mid-crisis low of 81 in October 2008. 

TNS’ Index tracks with others. The Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index, which measures the investment confidence and outlook of households with $500,000 or more in investable assets, rose 3 points in October, as previously reported by Family Wealth Report.

Despite modest economic and job growth, affluent investors were feeling more confident about how their own investments and the broader US stock market will perform over the next six months, according to TNS. 

"This increase corresponds with substantial increases in the stock markets, with the Dow Jones, S&P and NASDAQ averages each rising 10% between August 26th and October 18th," said Ellen Sills-Levy, senior vice president at TNS.

This higher confidence is reflected in affluent investors' investing plans.  Compared to earlier in the year, more affluent investors said they planned to invest more heavily in international investments (15 per cent), commodities (11 per cent) and real estate (10 per cent).  But fixed rate investments still attract the greatest interest (19 per cent).

The Index is based on a survey conducted online September 29–October 25 and reflects the answers of 3,936 respondents who had total investable assets of $500,000 or more.