Compare Saltus Wealth Index data...
Saltus Wealth Index survey: the numbers
Saltus introduced its Wealth Index survey in October 2021. So far there have been eight surveys, tracking the evolving views of high net worth individuals (“HNWIs”) as the UK goes through a period of uncertainty and instability. Collectively the work tells the story of an increasingly hard pressed community, trying to do the right thing for their family and their country in the face of stiff headwinds, including the Brexit transition, Covid, war in Europe, climate change and most recently the global impact of the policies of Donald Trump. Below we highlight the views of some of our respondents on some of the key questions the survey tracks.
Hover over a data point to view the results.
The Saltus Wealth Index - how the confidence of high net worth individuals has changed over time
Working with Dr Mike Peacey of the University of Bristol, we have aggregated some key measures to create a single index. The upward curve of the Index had been brought to a shuddering halt with, confidence severely shaken by a combination of external events and actions taken by the Labour government since its election in July 2024. However, this survey sees it return to more normal levels. Labour politicians following the Index should not be complacent. The underlying data suggest that this improvement is probably a consequence of strong markets rebounding from Trump’s tariff tantrum.
Personal finance confidence
Thinking about your own finances, how confident or unconfident, if at all, are you about the next six months?
*Change in methodology: we introduced a neutral category in SWI2
There has been very little change in confidence in respondents’ own personal finances throughout this series. Combining respondents who feel confident or very confident about their personal finances has remained at around 90% throughout the period of these surveys. Market declines have quickly corrected and other responses to the questionnaire suggest a constituency that looks after its assets prudently.
UK economy confidence
Thinking about the UK economy as a whole - not just your own financial position how confident or unconfident, if at all, are you about the next six months?
Confidence in the UK economy has improved since the winter, but are still a long way short of the levels prior to the Labour government taking office. There is little evidence here for the Treasury that our respondents believe that its growth agenda is going to be delivered any time soon.
Top 5 future concerns
What, if anything, do you view as the biggest risk(s) to your wealth right now? Tick up to 3
Inflation has been a big fear of respondents for some time – perhaps unsurprisingly given its resurgence in the post Covid period and the fact that it has now returned in a slightly less aggressive form. What is new is the concern about tax, which has become a feature of this research since the 2024 election. This survey suggests that HNWIs anxiety about it remains at very elevated levels – perhaps unsurprising given the persistent deficit the government is running. .
London as a financial centre
Do you believe London will remain Europe’s financial capital in the next decade?
The FTSE hit new highs in the period preceding this research and it is perhaps no surprise that as a result, confidence in London as a leading global financial hub has recovered.
Anxiety about money
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 'My money makes me anxious'
Anxiety about money has not really changed since the survey conducted last winter. This result is closely correlated to market performance and would be vulnerable to correction if there is a change in sentiment in markets.
Freedom that money makes possible
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? ‘My money is a source of freedom for me’
Our respondents continue to see the benefit to their lives that robust personal finances can provide. This is consistent with responses to other questions in the survey that probe respondents’ financial responsibilities. Without money many would no be able to offer the support to family members that they currently provide.
Tax
Thinking about the amount of tax you pay in the UK, do you think:
The proportion of people who believe they pay too much tax remains at – or just off – the elevated levels it has experienced in the previous two surveys.