Investor sentiment in Canada is at its most positive since the stock market collapse of 2008, according to a new survey.
In its latest national research, Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. found 40% of investors describe themselves as opportunistic, risk-taking or analytical – the three categories that typically suggest buying behaviour.
The number of investors describing themselves as "opportunistic" has risen by 75% since July 2011.
The results are the most bullish since the investment management company began tracking investor sentiment after the global financial crisis three years ago.
"It's the biggest change in investor sentiment in three years," said Franklin Templeton president and CEO Don Reed.
The survey of 1,032 Canadian investors was conducted February 1 to 3 using the Angus Reid Forum.
Notwithstanding the rise in positive sentiment, investors remain divided in their outlook, with 42% in the two most risk-averse categories, describing themselves as "suspicious" (27%) or "timid" (15%).
The number of investors saying they were "not sure" dropped from 30% in June 2011 to 17% today, suggesting that sentiment is hardening.
Reed said, "[Our] research suggests there will be a tug of war between the bulls and the bears in 2012."
