Investors choose top sectors for 2012

Barclays Stockbrokers’ clients have revealed the sectors they believe offer the best investment opportunities for 2012.

Investors were asked to name the sector they felt would offer the best prospects for their portfolio this year. The research revealed Oil and Gas topped the list, with backing from 21% of respondents.

The Financial sector took second spot with 18% of the vote, followed by the Mining sector in third place (15%) and Utilities in fourth spot (8%).

The research also found investors are bullish in their outlook for the FTSE 100.  Barclays Stockbrokers’ clients were asked for their outlook for the FTSE in 2012, and responses show that almost half of investors (46%) said they had a bullish outlook and were confident that the FTSE will rally.

A third (30%) said they were undecided on their FTSE outlook for the year, while 24% said they were not confident in FTSE performance in the year ahead.

Paul Inkster, co-head of product, Barclays Stockbrokers, said: “It is great to see our self-directed investors have a positive outlook for the sectors that will deliver for their portfolios this year, and are optimistic about the performance of the FTSE 100.

“With returns on cash consistently low it is encouraging to see investors confidently seeking out the right investment opportunities for them, and capitalising on market volatility where possible.”