Mixed signals from institutional investors

Institutional investors are sending out an array of mixed signals, according to the latest State Street Investor Confidence Index. 

The index for May 2014, released this week, has revealed differing levels of confidence between North America and Asia and Europe. 

It found that while the global index increased by 0.5 points in May to settle at 119.5 points, investors in both North America and Asia had displayed lower risk appetite while those in Europe had exhibited improving confidence. 

The North American index fell 6.4 points to 115.5, while the Asia index fell 10.6 points to 104.4 while, by contrast, the Europe index rose 9.3 points to 111.2 

Commenting on the outcome, State Street Global Exchange senior managing director and head of research and advisory, Jessica Donohue said that, given the prospects for increased easing by the European Central Bank, European institutions had shown a more positive tone in May. 

“However, the gains in Europe have been somewhat offset by valuation concerns in the US, which have tempered the level of confidence in North America,” she said.