A recent survey by Trade Nation reveals that 80% of traders and investors are confident in making positive returns in 2025 despite economic challenges. Technology, crypto, and AI are the most trusted sectors.
A recent survey by Trade Nation, a leading FCA-regulated fintech and financial services provider, reveals that a strong majority of traders and investors remain confident about achieving positive returns on their portfolios in 2025, despite the ongoing economic challenges at the start of the year.
This survey was conducted by One Poll on behalf of Trade Nation, gathering responses from 500 UK adults who actively invest or trade. The research was carried out between February 11th and 13th, 2025.
David Morrison, Senior Trade Analyst at Trade Nation, commented, “Despite the economic turbulence at the start of 2025, traders and investors remain highly optimistic about the year ahead. The survey reflects strong confidence across portfolios, particularly in technology, crypto, and AI sectors, where traders expect significant growth. As AI continues to evolve, it’s no surprise that traders are looking towards this industry with high expectations.”
Optimistic outlook for 2025 portfolios
The survey, which polled 500 UK-based traders and investors between February 11th and 13th, 2025, found that 80% of participants express confidence in securing positive returns from their investments this year. Notably, 34% of respondents strongly believe in achieving favourable returns, while 46% somewhat agree with this sentiment. This level of optimism indicates that many traders and investors are still buoyed by a sense of opportunity, even as economic turbulence continues to shape the financial landscape.
The data also highlights a clear generational divide in confidence. Younger investors, particularly those aged between 24 and 34, demonstrate the highest levels of optimism, with 88% expressing confidence about their investment outcomes in 2025. In contrast, only 66% of investors aged 65 and above feel similarly assured about their portfolios this year.
Key concerns among traders and investors
Despite the overall positive outlook, there are several concerns that dominate the minds of traders and investors. The most pressing issue is the potential for an economic downturn or recession, with 53% of those surveyed listing this as their top concern. Other notable worries include inflation (46%), market volatility and manipulation (40%), and geopolitical instability (36%). Additionally, 36% of respondents expressed concern about the potential impact of fluctuating interest rates on their investments.
While artificial intelligence (AI) and automation continue to disrupt various industries, only 19% of investors and traders cite these technologies as a concern for their portfolios, reflecting a more positive outlook towards these developments. Nonetheless, over half (51%) of respondents believe that AI and robo-advisors will eventually outperform human investors, underscoring the growing confidence in AI’s potential to transform the investment landscape.
Which industries are traders and investors most confident in?
As for industry preferences, technology, cryptocurrencies, and AI top the list of sectors that investors and traders feel most confident about. In total, 36% of participants indicated that they are particularly optimistic about technology investments this year, followed closely by 32% who feel similarly positive about the prospects of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. AI and automation are also highlighted as key areas of interest, with 31% of respondents placing their confidence there.
Other sectors attracting investor interest include:
- Real Estate and Property: 23%
- Renewable Energy: 21%
- Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech: 19%
The survey underscores a growing trend towards technological innovation, with participants increasingly recognising the value and growth potential of sectors driven by tech advancements.
Factors influencing investment decisions
When it comes to the factors that shape their investment strategies, the potential for profit is by far the most influential for traders and investors. A significant 57% of respondents cited profit potential as the primary driver of their decisions. Other critical factors include market trends and the financial stability of companies, both of which were mentioned by 56% of participants.
Interestingly, the survey also reveals that ethics and sustainability practices play an important role in investment choices. Around 30% of respondents report that a company’s ethical standards and commitment to sustainability influence their investment decisions. Younger investors, especially those in the 25-34 age group, appear to be most affected by these factors, with 37% saying that they carefully consider a company’s ethical reputation when making investment choices.
About Trade Nation
Trade Nation is a global leader in fintech and financial services, with offices in key locations such as London, Sydney, and South Africa. The company is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, where it operates under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Since its inception in 2014, Trade Nation has provided award-winning services to traders and investors worldwide, with a strong focus on customer protection and responsible fund management.
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