The mass affluent are interested in investing in international markets, but say they need more information and guidance, according to a survey byHSBC Bank.

While 66 per cent agree that “investing in global markets is the future of investing,” and 79 per cent are optimistic about the growth potential of these countries, 67 per cent don’t know enough about these markets to allocate their investments there.

More than four in 10 (41 per cent) are hesitant to invest in emerging markets compared to two in 10 with developed markets. While eight in 10 believe having an experienced advisor is necessary to successfully invest globally, 38 per cent are currently relying on themselves to make investment decisions.

Fifty-four per cent are paying more attention to international current events and their impact on global markets, the survey found. A majority (85 per cent) agrees that current world events influence their investment approach and 34 per cent say that learning about investing outside the US is more important to them than it was two years ago.

Three-quarters of those surveyed say the ability to make the right investments globally comes from having local expertise in each market.

The survey queried 501 mass affluent respondents, defined as having $250,000 or more in investable assets, in January.