Housing less attractive than financial sector

Housing less attractive than financial sector, investors say

The government’s pre-budget tax announcements have had a dramatic impact on confidence in investing in the housing market, according to the latest RaboPlus Financial Confidence Index. Confidence levels have slumped a massive 31 per cent, from -16 per cent in August/September 2009 to -47 per cent in February/March 2010.

Housing is now viewed with no more confidence than the financial sector as an investment option. Confidence investing in the financial sector however, while still negative, has improved from -56 per cent six months ago to -44 per cent.

Mike Heath, General Manager for RaboPlus, says it’s clear the government’s recent actions are hitting the housing sector hard.

“The survey shows confidence in housing has slipped across both genders, all age groups, and particularly among households with higher income and assets,” he says.

“This may be the start of a rebalancing in people’s attitudes towards investment options. But while housing no longer holds the same appeal, people are still wary of investing in the financial sector. The question is, where are New Zealanders going to put their money and is the financial sector ready to respond?”

Over the next six months, nearly 60 per cent of New Zealanders say they will make a deposit to their cheque or savings accounts, and 27 per cent will invest in a term deposit or on call deposit with their bank. Thirty per cent of New Zealanders are likely to invest with a managed fund (including Kiwisaver), while fixed interest bonds will attract eight per cent.

“The findings show that banks are set to capture the majority of investments in the short term, confirming what we know about Kiwis being risk averse. This is also supported by security of money still being the highest priority when people are choosing investments, well above the rate of return which was favoured prior to the economic crisis,” says Mike Heath.

Confidence levels in the financial sector tracked relatively consistently over the past six months. Banks attracted the biggest shift in public perception, with indicators of confidence in their products, information and integrity increasing by between five and seven per cent. Overall, banks and general insurers have the highest public confidence rating.

The survey shows 33 per cent of New Zealanders’ investments are worth less now than six months ago, whereas 14 per cent say value has improved. Compared to findings in August, a higher percentage of people are saying that the value of their investments have remained the same – 53 per cent compared to 42 per cent six months ago.

“While confidence levels continue to fluctuate, the survey findings point towards some level of stabilization in people’s personal financial situations,” says Mike Heath.

New Zealanders’ outlook for the future remains positive, with five per cent (net) of people expecting that their financial circumstances will improve over the next six months. However, this is down from 10 per cent (net) last August.

Most optimistic about their financial circumstances are people from Wellington, with 35 per cent expecting an improvement in the next six months.

Most improved confidence levels for investing in the financial sector are people from Dunedin at 15 per cent, up from 0 per cent in August.

ENDS

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