Asians appear to be more optimistic about their financial futures in the current year as confidence in markets continue to rebound, a recent survey by Manulife Financial reveals.

The 2013 Manulife Investor Sentiment Survey showed that sentiment in Asian countries rose to an overall index score of +21, up from +17 in the previous year. The survey covered 3,500 respondents across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

The study identified stocks (+15), mutual funds and unit trusts (+14) and real estate (+19) as the key drivers of the index. Overall sentiment was highest in Indonesia, which had an individual score of +60, followed by Malaysia, +48. The largest rise in sentiment was seen in Japan, from +4 to +21. Only Hong Kong went into negative at -11.

When it comes to financial priorities, saving for retirement ranked as the top choice among Asians, at 21 per cent, similar to that of Canadians. In the US, retirement was only a second choice, with maintaining one's current lifestyle being the first. When asked if they felt they are on track to achieve their financial goals, 50 per cent of Asians said yes, led by those from Malaysia (62 per cent) and China (64 per cent). 

Forty-six per cent of Asian investors believe they are in a better financial state now than two years ago. Looking two years forward, 57 per cent said they will have seen more improvement. 

The Manulife Investor Sentiment Index in Asia took place in mid-April to May 2013. Respondents were middle class to affluent investors aged 25 years and up and who are primary financial decision makers in their respective households.