The survey showed that the equity market is still the majority's choice, with 3,232 respondents claiming that they had investments in stocks. Out of these stock investors, 2,229 had lost money while 1,003 had made a gain. The weak stock market has forced investors to turn to other investment options, with funds being a popular choice. However, 778 of the 1,205 fund investors saw red figures while only 35% made profit, probably because the performances of funds are connected to the feeble stock market. Forex investments, on the contrary, proved a more profitable investment with 56% of the 993 respondents making money. Gold investment also brought profits to most of the 213 respondents as a result of the continual upsurge of gold price in recent years, but the numbers also showed that gold is not a popular investment option.

The survey results pointed to a grim view of Hong Kong investors' confidence in their investments next year. 2,111 of the respondents remained pessimistic, outnumbering the optimistic investors by 63%. The case is similar for funds investment, another popular option. It is worth noting that 1,165 respondents expressed views on the ongoing trend of forex investments next year, pointing to genuine interest in this investment tool. Only 993 respondents had invested in foreign exchange this year, indicating an increase in interest. More people had an optimistic view of forex investments next year.

Tommy Tam Hok Lam, Vice President of AIA-UK, was delighted to work jointly with Hantec Group on this survey. He pointed out that, the survey results also implied weak consumer spending. The investment public will naturally tighten their purse strings as they lost money in their investments. Weak consumer spending can be expected next year if the public still maintains a conservative view of the future equity market.

"Six months ago, I have recommended to the Government that stabilizing the property prices is key to quickly improving the public's confidence and economy. With the 'nine measures' recently announced, the economic performance in Year 2003 is not so pessimistic." Mr. Tam added.

Andrew Tang, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Hantec International Holdings Limited, said: "The weak stock market has led investors to investment alternatives. The survey results showed that investors are in general pessimistic about future investments but remain optimistic about forex investments. As a group of companies offering integrated comprehensive financial and investment services, we need to understand the changing needs of investors. By participating in the preparation of this survey report, we can improve our existing products and services."

According to the survey results, male investors have performed better in the stock market and funds than female investors who in turn excelled in futures, which is not a mainstream investment option for the respondents. Female respondents showed their main strength in forex, in which more gains and fewer losses were recorded among female investors.

It is also obvious that older investors have fared better in their investments and are more likely to make profit, especially in forex investments.

The survey also aimed to gauge investors' opinion on the choice of financial media and commentators. Respondents were invited to name their favourite commentator and the top three on the poll list were Mr. Chan Wing Luk, Mr. Cho Yan Chiu and Mr. Kenny Tang.

Among the nominated financial commentators, most received 60% to 70% of their votes from male supporters. An exception was Mr. Cho Yan Chiu, who has a relatively large base of female supporters. Most of these supporters were from the upper age brackets. Each of the three Most Popular Financial Commentators was presented a souvenir, courtesy of Hang Fung Gold Technology Group.

Although most financial commentators enjoy high popularity, the survey also showed that about 30% of the respondents made their investment decisions making reference to but completely independent of information from the media.

The results of the above survey were audited by But Do Yeung C.P.A. Limited.

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Hantec Investment Holdings Limited

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