Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
A new survey from global trading platform eToro has revealed optimism and ambition from UAE investors heading into the new year with an overwhelming majority looking to increase their financial assets in 2025.
The "UAE Investor Beat Survey" asked 1,000 participants across various demographics about their New Year resolutions. It found that 83% of participants intended on setting resolutions for 2025 with the majority (54%) saying their goals would be financial.
Crucially, when probed deeper, the respondents revealed that these goals would include increasing their asset holdings most notably in traditional assets (40%), cryptocurrencies (37%) and real estate (37%).
Asked how they would achieve these goals, the majority (51%) said they would look to increase their savings, while implementing more detailed budgeting (41%) and living a more frugal and mindful lifestyle (38%).
Only 3% said they would not implement any lifestyle changes while 29% said they would look for better-paying work and 24% said they would delay major spending on assets like a new car.
The survey results reveal an underlying optimism in the market from retail investors, with many predicting substantial gains in the next year. It also shows an increasingly financially savvy investor class more willing to partake in financial markets as a method of reaching fiscal independence.
However, financial goals were not the only thing on the agenda, with 34% saying they would also be making resolutions around their fitness, health and wellbeing. This also coincided with 41% who said they would focus on personal development.
UAE gymnasium chain, GymNation, recently said that they expected 20% increase in new memberships in the new year, as residents flocked to fitness centres to kickstart their new year resolutions.
"The UAE continues to exemplify a forward-thinking mindset as we step into 2025, with a commendable focus on financial resilience and personal development," said George Naddaf, managing director, business development for the Mena region at eToro.
"2025's resolutions highlight a proactive approach to not just financial security, but also a desire for self-improvement and adaptability. The ambition to diversify investments and embrace entrepreneurial ventures reflects a dynamic shift towards innovative wealth-building strategies, while the emphasis on mindful spending and frugal lifestyles shows a keen awareness of the evolving economic landscape. Such a holistic approach speaks to the UAE's ability to balance ambition with sustainability, paving the way for a future defined by stability, growth, and wellbeing."
