Global equities the top choice for returns as investors embrace diversified approaches

The Schroders’ Global Investor Insights Survey for 2025 reveals that equities, both public and private, are the preferred choice for investors seeking returns.

The Schroders Global Investor Insights Survey 2025 reveals that investors see public equities as offering the best return potential among major asset classes. Public equities are the top choice for 46% of respondents, slightly ahead of private equity (45%).

Read the full results of Schroders Global Investor Insights Survey 2025

This finding comes despite the stock market volatility experienced during the survey period, with fieldwork taking place in April and May in the wake of the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements.

The survey’s findings point to a sense of cautious optimism among global investors. While 41% are maintaining their current risk exposure, 21% are increasing it—indicating a measured shift in sentiment rather than inertia. Where investors are seeking returns over the next 12-18 months, equities emerge as the asset class of choice.

Alex Tedder, CIO Equities, said, “In a market that’s anything but predictable, investors are turning to what they know: public equities. Not out of habit, but because they offer the agility and global reach needed to navigate complexity and capture performance.”

Preference for global equities amid shift away from US

Of those respondents favouring public equities for return potential, global equities are the clear preference with 51% saying they believe they will generate the strongest returns. This suggests a tilt towards globally diversified equity exposure after a prolonged period where the US has been the dominant force powering global equity markets.

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