Investors ditch shares for property

According to a report by Colonial First State Global Asset Management – part of CBA’s wealth management arm – and the University of Western Australia, the equity preference index declined 11 per cent in March 2015 quarter.

CFSGAM report author and senior analyst, economics and market research, Belinda Allen said: "With preference of Australian equities falling, there has been a clear and consistent uptick in applications for global equities, across all age groups.

"The data suggests that this preference for local shares has waned with the fall of the Aussie dollar, and with good returns and diversification offered from global equities, a greater move to invest offshore is likely."

However, the report also pointed out that appetite for risk assets remains, particularly in regard to real property.

“Despite weak equity preference for Australian equities, investors do appear to be willing to take on risk in their search for growth; particularly through exposure to investment property and global equities,” the report said.