Almost half of Maltese investors were primarily seeking an additional source of income – although a good proportion also want to increase their capital, according to a survey organised by Bank of Valletta.

Almost half of the 300 investors surveyed by Misco held or had held government stocks, also noting that over the past five years, investors were becoming younger.

Its representative Lawrence Zammit noted that most investors use an intermediary – whether a financial institution or a consultant – with only 10 per cent having the confidence to invest without seeking advice.

Although the Maltese investor shows a strong preference for local investment – thanks to their predominantly conservative risk appetite – they do not generally speaking feel very positive about the current market, he explained, adding that there was, however, a more upbeat feeling about the returns they could get over the coming year.

Most respondents said their main objective when investing was income.

The survey was carried out by Misco for BOV Asset Management, which used it to compile an Investor Sentiment Index.

The head of business and marketing at BOV Asset Management, Mark Vella, said that the intention was to conduct the research on a semi-annual basis.

BOV Asset Management executive head Mark Agius said the index would serve as "an important tool for the stakeholders to better understand the market, whilst helping us to design investment solutions that address better market demand.”

Respondents were asked 'Which of these investments do you have?'

Question: 'Which do you consider to be the best type of investment at the moment?'