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That is according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, which revealed that 41.5 per cent of shares were not held by British buyers at the end of 2008.
Rest-of-the-world investors accounted for 40 per cent two years earlier and senior investment adviser at Bestinvest Adrian Lowcock suggested that the economic climate has had a varied effect.
"The recent market falls have meant that many investors have had to review their investments and the level of risk they are taking," he said, adding that unemployment has stopped some from buying.
However, Mr Lowcock observed, others have identified an opportunity to up their investment.
Other figures from the ONS indicated that 10.2 per cent of shares were held by UK individuals - the lowest percentage since the survey began in 1963.
Posted by Greg Secker
