Baron-Moore Associates Survey Highlights Customers' Outlook on the Economy

Online, August 27, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Baron-Moore Associates today announced the results of a new poll of its affluent customers, which found that economic events at home and abroad continue to dampen their outlook. The poll covered a range of topics that included market volatility, Asian market and European debt. More than 3,000 affluent investors attended the Inside/Out Roundtable.

This was the fifth roundtable held by the firm in recent months, and was designed to provide investors greater access to market insights from experts both inside and outside Baron-Moore Associates. Key findings of the poll include:

• European Debt to Have Lasting Impact - Sixty-five percent believe that the European debt crisis will impact the Asian equities market for at least a year.

• Low Interest Rates Reduce Income - Eighty-two percent of respondents said historically low interest rates were reducing their investment incomes.

• Jobs Key to Economic Recovery With Double Dip Likely - Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) said a large drop in the unemployment rate is needed to spur strong economic growth, but 64 percent said a double dip recession is likely or already here.

• Companies Must Continue to Invest - Sixty-one percent believed that profitable companies should use cash for capital improvements or hiring new employees, versus holding it in reserve (18 percent) or distributing as dividends (21 percent).

• Tax Increase Concerns - Potential income tax increases were the most concerning for respondents (39 percent), with capital gains tax increases second (28 percent).

"The European debt crisis, recession fears and potential tax increases have stopped many Hong Kong investors in their tracks, and they are looking for ways to re-engage with an investment strategy that fits their risk tolerance and helps them achieve their financial goals," said Mun Wong, executive vice president, Baron-Moore Associates Investments. "In talking with these affluent investors, they are looking for sound investment guidance about their portfolios, so they can weather the daily fluctuations."

About Baron-Moore Associates

Baron-Moore Associates is one of the Hong Kong's most acclaimed providers of financial services. The firm is an awarded provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 10 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 2,000 financial intermediary firms. Every set of services for an account is highly individualized, because every client has unique needs. We aim to offer more than just financial services, but solutions for improving their financial status.