HSBC survey shows affluent investors cut cash allocation to 19% in 2026 from 33% in 2024
HSBC•Affluent investors shift out of cash and toward equities and gold
HSBC Securities flagged a shift in affluent investor positioning in 2026, with equities still the main growth holding for 66% of respondents.
Average cash allocations fell to 19% from 33% in 2024, yet 90% plan to maintain or increase cash this year.
Gold moved from tactical hedge to core diversifier, with 52% planning to increase exposure; interest skewed higher in Asia and the Middle East.
Demand for diversifiers stayed broad, with 43% favoring bonds, 40% alternatives, and 26% cash-like instruments.
Cross-border diversification gained traction, with 47% seeking more non-local exposure; the figure was 34% in the US and mainland China.
