A positive trend is emerging according to a recent study¹, which shows a third (33%) of workers in the UK feel ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ confident about achieving a comfortable lifestyle when they retire. This follows rates of 22% in 2023 and 30% in 2024, signalling growing optimism about long-term financial prospects. There are some significant disparities, including across income groups, age and gender. Confidence peaks among men and younger workers, with 43% of men and over half (55%) of 25 to 34-year-olds feeling highly confident, versus under a quarter (23%) of women and just 14% of 45 to 54-year-olds.

According to research², 60% of UK cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) savers could be persuaded to move funds to a stocks and shares ISA, despite financial constraint being cited as the main barrier. Concern about risk was the second biggest obstacle, with 35% of non-investors worried about potential losses and 12% concerned about access to their money. Around 40% of Brits currently hold an ISA³, but since the launch over 25 years ago, there is still widespread confusion. A quarter of Brits admitted that they do not understand how stocks and shares work.

¹Aegon 2025, ²Royal London 2025, ³AJ Bell 2026

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.