Investor confidence hits 2015 peak in August despite FTSE drop

Hargreaves Lansdown research shows optimism

The Hargreaves Lansdown Investor Confidence Index has hit a 2015 peak despite the FTSE 100 falling by 11% over the last three months.

The monthly index - which records private investors' attitudes to the UK stock market - rose to 113 points, eclipsing its long-running average of 101. Confidence is nearly 30% higher than in April, when the index dropped to 88 points as the FTSE 100 reached a record peak of 7,122. Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Private investors have become more optimistic on the prospects for the UK stock market after the recent correction, suggesting a focus on value rather than sentiment." The index also revealed that the percentage of investors expecting an interest...