JAKARTA. Investors’ optimism are growing in this year, despite global markets are overshadowed with economic and stock market uncertainties,.

This reflects on a survey conducted by KONTAN on 351 respondents and KONTAN’s readers about economic prospects and investments in this year. Results of the survey showed that 43.6% respondents are optimistic with the economic prospects in this year. Even, 35% of respondents are very optimistic with Indonesia’s economy in 2017.

This year, most of the respondents or 38.5% of respondents will mainly prefer stocks as the main investment preference. Subsequently, 26.2% of the respondents prefer to invest in property sector, while other 16 .8% respondents prefer to invest in mutual funds.

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Director of Bahana TCW Investment Management Soni Wibowo said, Indonesia’s economy has chance to improve, thanks to public expenditure and the continuity of infrastructure projects. “The export will also improve,” he said, Monday (9/11).

However, Vice President Research and Analysis of Valbury Asia Securities Nico Omer Jonckheere said, global economy is potentially to slow down. “We perceive the economy this year with a neutral view,” he said.

Head of Research at Bahana Securities Harry Su said, the uncertainties in global economy will be driven by the economic policies of the US President Donald Trump. “Let alone, some Europe countries such as Germany, Netherlands, and France will hold elections,” he said.

Bahana predicts, economy will grow by 5.3% this year. It is assumed that BI (the Central Bank) will decrease the interest rate to maintain public’s purchasing power. Meanwhile, Nico predicts that this year economy will grow around 4%-5%.

As information, this survey was took place during 2 November-2 December 2016. Therefore, this survey has not yet included some factors, such as the increases in fuel price, electricity tariff, and other services.

In fact, according to Senior Analyst at Binaartha Parama Sekuritas Reza Priyambada, the increases in fuel price and basic electricity tariff will bring significant impact. “This domino effect will affect to public’s purchasing power,” Reza said.

Reza suggests investors to invest in government bonds. Investors are also suggested to be selective in investing in stocks.

Under the current condition, Nico recommends to invest in conservative assets, such as precious metals. “The gold yields may reach 20%,” Nico said.

Fund Manager of BNI Asset Management Andre Varian recommends mixed mutual funds. “Their flexibility in market timing can reduce volatility risks,” he said.

(Muhammad Farid/Translator)