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Global Sentiment Survey

Spend less, invest more and be optimistic in the coming future

The global pandemic is changing all aspects of our lives. Although we are facing challenges and uncertainties, over half of the respondents in the recent Fidelity Global Sentiment Survey reported feeling optimistic about the next six months.

The first Fidelity Global Sentiment Survey, launched in 2021 in 16 markets, provides extensive information to understand the attitudes and actions of employees in four areas: wellbeing, financial habits, retirement, and workplace during pandemic period.

Wellbeing

Understanding and evaluating people’s emotional intensity across finances, health, work and life in the previous months.

Financial habits

Assessing financial and investing confidence, as well as current financial habits related to spending, saving and debt.

Retirement

Determining current retirement timelines and changes to planned retirement ages and understanding employees’ approach to financial planning and advice.

Workplace

Understanding employees’ needs from their employer regarding work benefits.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the key findings in Hong Kong:

 

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Despite pandemic pessimism, optimism is rising

Over a third of Hong Kong respondents reported feeling fatigued and worried during the pandemic period. The pandemic is the biggest reason for causing their stress.

As global economies open up and vaccines roll out, optimism is rising in Hong Kong and China. Hong Kong respondents felt positive about their health, work/life balance and day-to-day finances.

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Spend less and invest more

Around one-third (30%) of Hong Kong respondents have saved more in the previous six months before the survey. Nearly half (47%) of them have spent less than they can afford and 57% have invested more.

Having more spare money and seeing investments generating higher returns are the main reasons for increasing their investments. Older workers^ have saved the most and are the most active investors.

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Saving for retirement is a priority 

Nearly all Hong Kong respondents said that ‘being financially comfortable in retirement’ is a long-term financial goal. However, half of them are worried about not having enough retirement savings, especially younger and middle-aged workers. Stay invested and grow your money to avoid outliving your retirement savings. Visit our Flexible Retirement Solution to learn more.

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Seek additional support in the workplace

More than 40% of Hong Kong respondents would prefer to receive additional employer support in work flexibility, work/life balance and private health insurance. Younger and middle-aged workers emphasise work/life balance support.

^ Younger workers, aged 20-38; Middle-aged workers, aged 39-54; Older workers, aged 55≥

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Understand Financial Wellness

Understand the definition and importance of being financial well

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Determine your Financial Wellness

Assess your personal financial wellness with our easy-to-use tool

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Retirement Savings Guidelines

Rules of thumb that make retirement planning simple

About Fidelity Global Sentiment Survey 

The sample consisted of respondents with the following qualifying conditions: Aged 20-75; either they or their partners were employed full-time or part-time; A minimum household income of: Australia: A$45,000 annually; China: RMB 5,000 monthly; Hong Kong: HK$15,000 monthly; USA: US$20,000 annually; Canada: CA$30,000 annually; UK: £10,000 annually; Mexico: $4,500 MXN monthly; Ireland: €20,000 annually; Germany: €20,000 annually; Netherlands: €20,000 annually; France: €20,000 annually; Italy: €15,000 annually; Spain: €15,000 annually; Japan: 3m yen annually; Brazil: R$1,501 monthly; India: ₹55,001 annually. The survey received 19,000 global respondents, with 1,000 respondents came from Hong Kong.

The data collection, research and analysis for the above markets was completed in July/August 2021 in partnership with Opinium, a strategic insight agency.