A survey of affluent investors by DBS in Hong Kong delves into what clients expect to earn on their portfolios, their asset allocation views, and their priorities for how their money is managed.

A survey by DBS in Hong Kong of 1,517 affluent investors found that this year they expect their portfolios to generate a return on average of 9 per cent.

Investors’ priority is to preserve wealth: 69 per cent said it is their primary investment goal for 2025. Most of them (61 per cent) plan to increase their investment allocations over the next 12 months.

The investors polled hold HK$1 million ($127,000) or more in investable assets in Hong Kong and mainland China.

“Affluent investors are demonstrating strong confidence, resilience and adaptability when navigating a complex economic environment. They are seeking global investment opportunities to diversity their investment portfolios,” Amy Kwan, head of business planning, customer segment and ecosystem, consumer banking group and wealth management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said. 

“The findings reaffirm that communications with trust relationship managers for a holistic investment advice is essential and important, especially among those with higher investable assets, despite many are already leveraging digital tools when making investment decisions. Affluent investors are also investing beyond the borders,” Kwan said. 

The average affluent investor holds more than four different asset classes, the survey found.

While bonds are more sought after by Hong Kong investors, mainland investors favour alternative investments, such as gold and commodities. Investment funds remain as a core part of their portfolio with 60 per cent of the respondents invested in funds. 

More than half of the respondents (56 per cent) are keen on fixed income funds, whilst multi-asset funds come second. Although affluent investors focus on the domestic market, more than half of the respondents (64 per cent) indicated their interest in investing in international markets, with mainland investors showing particular interest in the Singapore market (27 per cent).

The DBS research said that affluent investors are interested in digital assets, such as tokens and cryptos, with 42 per cent already invested in these entities, and 18 per cent planning to do so. However, respondents said insufficient custodian security for digital assets (38 per cent) and lack of regulatory clarity (37 per cent) are their key concerns.