A summer 2009 upturn is expected by almost half of investors - with a more cautious third looking for recovery in a year.
Stock markets will begin to recover from the global financial crisis in around six months time, the consensus estimate from a new Barclays investor poll shows.
According to the survey, 48 percent of investors believe that the London Stock Exchange's flagship FTSE 100 index - on which the largest UK-based companies are listed - will begin to rise again this summer. Just 16 percent said that recovery was two years away, while 29 percent predict an upturn in a year's time.
The FTSE lost over 30 percent of its value in 2008, crashing below 4,000 points as the credit crunch sent the real economy into what looks likely to be the worst recession for decades. Particular strains were noted in bank stocks - towards which the exchange is disproportionately weighted.
However, the government has launched two separate financial rescue plans - while nations around the world including the US have launched bailout strategies. Stock market recoveries also tend to pre-date economic upturns, historical data suggests.
Commenting on the new survey, Barbara-Ann King, head of proposition at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "Despite volatility dominating financial markets throughout the past year, it is encouraging to see nearly half of our clients predict recovery in the FTSE over the next six months."
