The survey results indicate a much better general investment atmosphere and performance than last year. The equity market is still the most popular choice of investment, as reported by 1,563 respondents, of which 1,104 report gaining, while 459 lost. In contrast to 70% reporting a loss in stock market last year, 71% of respondents report a gain this year. Most interviewees investing in stock and foreign exchange markets state their success, comprising 71% and 72% respectively of those surveyed; 64% of respondents achieved positive gains in funds investment and 60% reported gains in their investment in gold. The only area where the investment public is not doing so well is property, where 63% of respondents report a loss. This may be an indication that the problem of negative equity is still affecting the investment public.

How does the public view the future? Contrary to last year's survey, which showed investors to be pessimistic, the majority of the respondents in the recent survey are optimistic for their investments in 2004. Taking the popular stock market as an example, 79% say that the market will be a bull one in 2004, outnumbering those believing it will be a bear market.

David Lam Yiu Chau, President, AIA Hong Kong Branch said: "I am pleased with the success of this collaboration between AIA HK and Hantec, which is the second survey carried out on the same theme and the third project on which we have co-operated. The Association is looking forward to making this survey an annual collaboration."

Dr. Lam continued: "I am delighted to note that the local investment sentiment has improved and that there are strong signs that the economy is recovering. This survey is encouraging, as the results indirectly show that the local economy has been picking up and that the environment for investment has become more favourable since the SARS outbreak."

Andrew Tang, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Hantec Investment Holdings Limited, said: "As a group of companies offering integrated comprehensive financial and investment services, we are most concerned with the investment needs and performance of the investing public. We take every opportunity to engineer activities that allow us to better understand the investment needs of our clients. Taking part in this survey is just one of our many endeavours to equip ourselves better in enhancing our products and services as well as to stay abreast of the market in assisting our clients to achieve their investment targets."

The survey also asked respondents to name the most influential figure in the financial and commercial sectors. More than one third of respondents voted for tycoon Li Ka Shing, followed closely by Financial Secretary, Henry Tang Ying Yen. Joseph Yam Chi Kwong, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority came third. Other names also mentioned by respondents included the Chief Executive, Tung Chee Hwa; the Chief Secretary, Donald Tsang Yam Kuen and the ex-Financial Secretary, Antony Leung Kam Chung.

The organizers were very pleased to welcome Mr. George Magnus, Deputy Chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, to the occasion wherein Mr. Magnus would receive the award of the "Most Influential Figure in Local Financial and Commercial Sectors" on behalf of Mr. Li Ka Shing.

The survey results have been audited by C. K. Yau & Company, CPA.

About The Association of International Accountants (AIA)
Based in the UK the AIA is an international accountancy body offering an accountancy qualification, recognized by the UK Government under the Companies Act 1989 as a professional qualification for company auditors.

The AIA syllabus has been designed to provide students with a practical course of study covering a broad base of accountancy subjects. Equipped with these accounting skills graduates can pursue a career within any business sector: commerce or industry, the public or private sector. The high standard of the AIA professional qualification is maintained by the independent and external moderation of the examinations.

The AIA was specifically founded to provide an international organization for professional accountants and is fully committed to the ongoing achievement of this original aim. The AIA has a network of branches in many countries throughout the world including Cyprus, Europe, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, Africa and the Caribbean. The branches provide an active international framework for the Association offering support and guidance for students and members.

About Hantec Group
Founded in 1990 by the Chairman, Mr. Tang Yu Lap together with a number of financial experts and banking professionals, Hantec Group is a group of companies offering integrated comprehensive financial and investment services including leveraged forex trading, securities trading, financial advisory services, fund management, commodities and futures trading, asset management, corporate finance, personal financial services and affinity credit card. The Group is headed by its listed vehicle in Hong Kong, Hantec Investment Holdings Limited (HKSE: 111). The Group now operates 3 branches and 7 personal financial services centers locally as well as 2 associated companies in Shanghai and Auckland, and 5 representative offices in Beijing, Paris, Tokyo, Manila and Taipei.

Issued by :
The Association of International Accountants (Hong Kong Branch)
Hantec Investment Holdings Limited

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Stella To / Angus Ho / Frances Lam
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