A poll of 299 advisers by data provider Matrix Solutions, which took place at the end of last year, found 78% expect to see an improvement in the UK economy over the next 12 months.
The corresponding figure for the previous year, when 400 advisers were asked, was 35%, while it stood at just 7% for 2012.
The National Institute of Social and Economic Research (NIESR) this week said the UK economic recovery had become “entrenched” and forecast growth would be an on-track 2.5% this year and 2.1% next year.
The proportion of advisers polled in Matrix’s latest Voice of the Adviser study who expected the economy to worsen dropped to 4%, compared with its peak of 55% in 2011.
Moreover, the report suggested advisers are optimistic about their business prospects for the next 12 months, with 73% anticipating an increase in client numbers.
Matrix Solutions chief Ian Beaumont said: “This research is further evidence that confidence is returning to the market. Before RDR [Retail Distribution Review] came in, many advisers were worried about the effect it would have on client numbers.
“However, with the majority of advisers expecting to see an increase in client acquisition this year, it seems that RDR has been less of a disruption than initially anticipated.”
Elsewhere, more than eight in ten advisers polled said they needed to speak to fewer than ten prospective clients to secure a new customer.
