Investment patterns alter with times

According to a survey conducted by Canadian financial services provider, Manulife, investor sentiment in China, as measured through the responses of over 500 investors across Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, has veered more to low-risk instruments like fixed income, gold and real estate, especially first residences.

The report, based on responses from investors across all age groups, says that those aged between 25 and 29 are more inclined towards fixed income and first home investments. Most of them feel that current market conditions are favorable and attractive for entry-level investors.

Nearly 56 percent of the respondents identified deposits as the best way to achieve financial goals, while lower costs and hard work were additional factors at 38 percent and 30 percent respectively. Fixed income still remains the most preferred asset class, particularly for investors aged between 50 and 59.

Most of the Chinese investors believe that it is an opportune time to invest in precious metals, insurance and annuities, the survey said.

"For most of the investors, the key financial priority is to support their children's education. Hence their investment actions would be guided by income stability rather than volatility and risks," said Liu Qingshan, general manager of Manulife-Teda Fund Management.

"Investors, especially the middle-class ones with clear goals for wealth management, need stable, long-term and healthy growth in assets," said Li Huihui, general manager for the personal sector in China at the Singapore-based OCBC Bank.

Most of clients for personal banking services are young, well-educated, with good education background and have sharp personal attitudes in investment strategies, which require tailor-made, diversified and holistic investment financial services, said Li.