DBS: Affluent Investors Expect High Single-Digit Gains
Affluent investors in Hong Kong and mainland China expect high single-digit returns in 2025, according to a DBS survey, despite ongoing concerns about a potential market downturn, interest rate volatility and inflation.
Affluent investors in Hong Kong and mainland China expect an average return of 9 percent from their portfolios in 2025, according to a DBS survey of individuals with HK$1 million ($130,000) or more in investable assets.
Wealth preservation was cited as a key priority (69 percent) and despite ongoing concerns about market risks, 61 percent plan to increase investment allocations over the next 12 months.
Preferred Asset Classes and Markets
On average, investors held four asset classes with Hongkongers favoring bonds while mainland Chinese preferred alternatives such as gold and commodities. 60 percent held funds as a core part of portfolios with the most interest in fixed income funds (56 percent). On digital assets, 42 percent were already invested and 18 percent plan to enter the market.
While home bias continues to play a role, more than half of the respondents (64 percent) indicated interest in investing in international markets.
Source of Advice
When seeking investment advice, affluent investors are relying on a combination of mobile banking apps (54 percent), third-party investment apps (43 percent) and relationship managers (42 percent).
«The findings reaffirm that communications with trust relationship managers for holistic investment advice is essential and important, especially among those with higher investable assets, despite many already leveraging digital tools when making investment decisions,» commented Amy Kwan, head of business planning, customer segment and ecosystem, consumer banking group & wealth management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong).
The DBS Treasures Affluent Investor Survey 2025 was conducted in May 2025 and gathered responses from 1,517 affluent investors in Hong Kong and mainland China.
