81% of Active Investors Bullish or Neutral on the Market, Schwab Finds

Active traders are largely optimistic about the market and the economy, Charles Schwab found in a survey of 260 investors. Eighty-one percent said they are either bullish or neutral on the market over the next six months, virtually unchanged since the last survey in February.

Fifty-three percent expect the economy to show clear signs of recovery in the next 12 months, and 63% plan to increase their trading activity in the next six months, up from 49% in February.

As a way of better managing risk, 28% said exchange-traded funds are their preferred investment vehicle, up from 24% in February.

“The latest survey results show that trader sentiment is relatively  positive despite volatility in the financial markets,” said Kelli Keough, vice president of Schwab investor services. “We’re seeing continued confidence in active investing as traders further educate themselves, employ increased risk management and use more sophisticated trading strategies across a diverse range of investment vehicles.”