The Hong Kong Research Association has released the latest survey results, which indicate that about 30% of respondents believe that "bank deposits" are the most wise investment tool, a 6 percentage point increase from the previous survey, reaching a record high. Some of the reasons are believed to be related to market expectations of a rate cut in the USA, which has attracted many citizens to invest their savings in fixed deposits.

In addition, about 8% of the respondents chose "bonds", an increase of 2 percentage points; 7% chose "real estate", a decrease of 10 percentage points, ranking third along with "other" options; the proportion of other options ranges from 2% to 4%; while "don't know/hard to say" and "no opinion" account for a total of 37%.

The related survey also found that 27% of the respondents reported an increase in average total monthly income compared to six months ago, an increase of 6 percentage points from the survey conducted in May last year, reaching a new high since the survey began. 36% reported a decrease, a decrease of 3 percentage points, reaching a new low in the survey; 25% reported "no change", a decrease of 4 percentage points; while "don't know/hard to say" and "no opinion" accounted for 12%.

The Hong Kong Research Association stated that although the number of citizens with decreased income compared to six months ago is higher, the proportion of those with increased income has reached a new high since the survey began. The results are believed to be related to the tight labor market, which has driven moderate income growth for some citizens.

The Hong Kong Research Association conducted a random telephone survey across Hong Kong from August 16 to September 1 this year, successfully interviewing 1,056 citizens aged 18 or above.

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