Investors stay focused on long-term growth

UK investors remained committed to growing their wealth during the first half of the year, despite continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Research¹ found that 30% of investors increased contributions to their portfolios during Q1, while a further 30% planned to raise investment levels during Q2.

Average planned investment levels for Q2 were £2,920, with only 14% expecting to reduce the amount they invested. The findings suggest that investor confidence remained resilient through the first half of the year, with many continuing to prioritise long-term financial goals over short-term market volatility.

The strongest motivation for increasing investments was the desire to build long-term wealth, cited by 44% of respondents. Nearly three in ten (29%) believed it was a good time to invest, while 24% said UK economic conditions had influenced their decision-making.

Longer-term financial planning continued to shape investor behaviour overall. Growing wealth (43%) and strengthening retirement savings (42%) were the leading reasons for investing, alongside building emergency savings (28%) and funding future lifestyle goals, such as holidays (17%).

Investment habits varied, with one-off contributions proving popular (26%), although many investors continued to favour flexible ad hoc lump sums (18%) or ‘set and forget’ regular contributions (20%).

¹Scottish Widows 2026

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.