• 35% of the British public are less likely to invest in the current climate, compared to just 18% who are more likely to invest
• 1 in 4 (25%) are non-investors who are now less likely to start investing due to the Iran war
• Meanwhile, 34% revealed they are now more likely to put money in a savings account

8 April 2026, LONDON –

Economic uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East means millions of new investors are being put off starting their journey, according to new research by comparison site Finder, which reveals that 1 in 4 UK adults (25%) don’t currently invest and are now even less likely to start.

1 in 10 Brits (10%) do currently invest but are thinking of scaling back their investments and holding money as cash instead. This means that, overall, more than a third of UK adults (35%) are now less likely to invest as a result of current geopolitical events.

In contrast, 18% of Brits are more likely to start investing or plan to invest more than they currently do, aka “buying the dip”. 1 in 10 (10%) currently invest and plan to put more into the markets at the moment, while 8% are non-investors who are now more likely to start investing.

Finally, over a third of investors (35%) aren’t panicking and are holding firm on their existing investing strategy.

A spanner in the work to encourage first-time investors into the market

The UK government has introduced measures to encourage investors in the UK market – including cutting the cash ISA limit from 2027, in an effort to steer savers away from cash and towards stocks and shares.

However, this research highlights the battle the government faces in encouraging people away from the perceived safety of cash and towards the UK stock market.

In times of crisis, Brits prefer holding cash savings. When asked about their feelings towards different financial actions in the current climate, 34% of Brits revealed they were more likely to put their money into an interest-earning savings account as a result of the conflict.

Analysis shows how waiting for markets to rebound can dent long-term growth

Previous periods of global turbulence have shown how being discouraged from investing until markets have recovered could result in lower gains in the long run.

For example, if someone had invested £10,000 in the FTSE 100 on 7th March 2022 – the point when share prices had dropped significantly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and kept it there until 30 March 2026, they would now have £14,553.

If that same person had waited until confidence in the markets had returned and invested on 29 March, when share prices had rebounded to its pre-invasion levels, they would have £13,437 by 30 March this year.

George Sweeney DipFA, investing expert at Finder, said:

“Anyone considering investing should recognise that there will always be reasons to delay. A long-term investment journey is rarely plain sailing, and market volatility is simply part of the price of entry.

“History shows that markets are largely indifferent to geopolitical events over the long run and have consistently recovered from periods of uncertainty. In fact, some of the strongest market gains often occur during early rebounds or recoveries, meaning those who stay on the sidelines risk missing out.

“There is never a “perfect” time to invest. In reality, periods of downturn and uncertainty – when sentiment is weakest and prices have fallen – often present the most compelling opportunities for investors with a long-term perspective.”

Methodology:
Finder commissioned Censuswide on 20-23 March 2026 to carry out a nationally representative survey of adults aged 18+. A total of 2,000 people were questioned throughout Great Britain, with representative quotas for gender, age and region

Disclaimer:
All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.