This is the conclusion of research by Rabobank among people between 18 and 80 years old. President Trump and American policy are frequently mentioned as reasons for the more negative sentiment, which is widely supported: 58% of investors say they are now more pessimistic than half a year ago.

American investments

Yet 19% of investors have become more positive about investing in the US. For Europe, the figures are the other way around, but less strong: 40% of investors are more positive about Europe, 19% is more negative.

A quarter of the investors (26%) also decided because of the worries to sell (part of) the American investments. A smaller part sees opportunities: 5% bought extra shares or bonds in the US. On the other hand, the reverse is done around European investments: 25% bought European investments, while 9% decreased the number of investments in that region.

Investors

It is also striking that Dutch investors invest more often in Europe than in the US, says Rabobank. For example, 18% of investors indicate that they have no investments in the US, while only 5% say this about Europe.

Why gloom about American investments has increased, is also apparent from what, according to investors, are the biggest threats for the stock market in the coming twelve months. The role of the US on the world stage is in 52% in the top three threats. This is followed by war and sabotage in Europe and increasing trade barriers (both 35%).

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