Institutional investor confidence is continuing to head south, according to the latest State Street Investor Confidence Index.
The index, covering January, fell 2.1 points to 92.4 points with most reluctance being exhibited by North American institutional investors, with European investors being similarly cautious.
However this contrasted with Asian investors who actually moved into positive territory, adding 3.3 points to take their index to 96.9 points.
Commenting on the latest index, Harvard University professor, Kenneth Froot said that what was clear from the latest data was that institutional investors in both North America and Europe were displaying caution as they entered into 2012, maintaining equity positions that could best be described as "defensive".
Co-developer of the index, State Street Associates' Paul O'Connell said it was clear from the European index result that questions about the resolution of the European sovereign debt crisis remained uppermost in investors' minds.
A member body representing some prominent wealth managers is concerned super funds’ dominance is sidelining small companies in capital markets.
Earlier this month, several Australian superannuation funds fell victim to credential stuffing attacks, which saw a small number of members lose more than $500,000.
Small- to medium-sized funds have become collateral damage in an "imperfect" model for super industry levies, a financial institution has said.
Big business has joined the chorus of opposition against the proposed Division 296 tax.