As at December 2003, the total value of savings and investments held by UK households totaled GBP1,308.4bn

Research and Markets have announced the addition of the 'UK Savings and Investments 2004 report to their offering.

(PRWEB) March 28, 2004 --UK Savings and Investments 2004 provides the definitive guide to the size, trend and interaction between competing retail savings and investment vehicles in the UK. Highlights include details of the performance of leading competitors, market forecasts to 2008 and consideration of the effect of alternatives on traditional financial investments.

Scope

Full analysis of UK savings and investment sectors including deposits, ISAs, unit/investment trusts, national savings, bonds, equity and alternatives.

Sizes and segments all key product sectors over the 1999-2003 period with scenario based forecasts through to 2008.

Extensive competitor data and trend analysis including size, promotional spends, new product developments and strategic issues

A selection of consumer data covering behaviours, attitudes and approaches to savings and investments in partnership with MORI financial services.

This report is designed to:

Assess the relative size and industry dynamics in each of the core savings and investment markets to clearly identify the key strategic issues

Gain a detailed view of competitive developments in each market sector including comprehensive competitor data and market share information

Access independent forecasts of UK savings and investment markets under three economic scenarios to identify product sectors for future investment.

Report Highlights

As at December 2003, the total value of savings and investments held by UK households totaled GBP1,308.4bn, up 12.0% from 2002. Recovery in equity market conditions in 2003 and increases amounting to 15.4% in UK house prices during 2002-2003 impacted the total balances.

The UK unit trust and OEIC market remains highly fragmented. The top ten unit trust and OEIC fund managers, together, managed funds totaling GBP56.5bn, compared to the entire market whose total funds under management amounted to GBP194.7bn.

Consumers desire more transparency and simplicity to ensure that they are getting the products suitable for them. The vast majority of consumers have a limited understanding of financial services and the vehicles in which they are investing.