The FTSE 100 will rise again in the final quarter of the year, investors believe.
Stock market investors expect the fortunes of the FTSE 100 to reverse in the months ahead, despite recent falls which have knocked significant amounts off the value of shares. According to a survey by Barclays Wealth, 62 percent of investors believe London's leading index will rise over the next three months.
The FTSE 100 fell five percent in early trading today amid continued fears of a serious economic slowdown, both in the UK and in other countries around the world. However, from 8:30 GMT it began to stage something of a comeback, down just 1.05 percent at 14:00 GMT.
This follows dramatic ups and downs last week when several commentators, including prime minister Gordon Brown and Bank of England governor Mervyn King, admitted the UK was moving into a period of recession.
But such volatility has failed to dampen the spirits of many investors, with almost two-thirds retaining confidence in the FTSE 100 and anticipating a rise in share prices during the final quarter of the year.
Barbara-Ann King, head of proposition at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "Despite market turmoil over the last few weeks with the FTSE experiencing dramatic falls, we have seen our clients continue to take advantage of market conditions to gain returns."
