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2003 Australian Shareownership Survey

Australians have again lived up to their reputation as a "nation of shareholders" with the release of the report on the 2003 ASX Australian Share Ownership Study. This study has showed that Australians not only follow the market more closely than ever, they are more committed and increasingly active participants. 

Carried out in November among a large sample of 2,400 adult Australians randomly selected from across the country, the Share Ownership Study provided a detailed snapshot of a more interested, busier, more informed shareholding population ? although one that has still some way to go before reaching its full potential.

Highlights from the study include:

51% of Australia's adult population, or 7.4 million people, own shares either directly or indirectly through a managed fund or self-managed superannuation fund (up from 50% in 2002). 

39% of Australia's adult population, or 5.7 million people who own shares directly (up 2%) 

The proportions of both men and women who own shares directly have increased since 2002. In 2003 44% of males and 35% of females own shares directly.

The incidence of share ownership continues to increase with age. Compared to 2002, there has been an increase in direct ownership of those aged 35 to 54. The trend among those aged 55 plus continues, with one in two owning shares in their name. The only decline has been among those aged 18 to 24.

The high incidence of share ownership nationwide appears to have been maintained, with NSW, QLD and SA all reporting significant increases.

Investors are more likely to have more stocks in their portfolio ? up from 3 to 7 since 1999. 51% have at least 4 companies in their portfolio in 2003, compared to 26% in 1998.

The average portfolio value has increased 14% (since 2002) to $40,800. 

Shareholders are trading more often (average 6 times a year ? up from 5 in 2002), with higher-valued parcels ($10,650 an increase of 20% since 2002).

Newspapers continue to be the most popular main source of advice on shares (22%). There has been a decrease in investors regarding their financial planner as their main source (19% down from 22% in 2003), and an increase in those seeking such advice from their broker (from 10% in 2002 to 14%). 

In 2003, 50% of direct investors intend to purchase shares in the next 12 months ? a significant increase from 40% on the year before. 

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