Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 07, 2025:
Markets are driven by more than just numbers and charts. They are shaped by human behaviour, and emotions often sit at the core of every decision. In the UAE, where retail participation in markets has grown significantly, our latest eToro survey shows just how powerful emotions can be in shaping investor choices.
Emotion at the core of investing
A clear 61% of investors admit that emotions always or often influence their decisions. Over the past six months, the feelings that they have experienced while investing have been overwhelmingly positive: hope (55%), excitement (53%) and confidence (50%). Yet, investors are not always at ease, with 36% having experienced anxiety and 14% regret.
UAE investors stay on top of market shifts
Emirati investors are highly self-aware about these emotions. A whopping 86% believe controlling emotions is essential to being a successful investor, and over half (53%) believe it is the most important element to being successful.
This awareness is perhaps why many have reacted to market uncertainty with agility rather than being paralysed by it. Nearly half (46%) have already adjusted their portfolios in response to global trade tensions, while another 44% plan to do so. Those adjusting demonstrate a range of strategies: 53% are increasing exposure to local equities, 51% to commodities, 40% to multinationals less exposed to trade disputes, and 35% to global equities outside affected regions.
Sticking to the strategy
One of the hardest tests of an investor’s emotions is when their portfolio drops significantly in value. Luckily, UAE investors remain measured. In such situations, 45% consult an advisor, 41% shift to safer assets, 36% buy more to average down, 29% stay put and wait for markets to recover, while just 27% sell holdings.
Our survey also explored the effects of social influence. 34% of respondents say they often feel compelled to invest when others are doing well, while 50% also admit they feel this sometimes. This doesn’t mean they blindly chase trends and copy those around them – indeed the most popular sources of financial advice for UAE investors are professional advisors (60%), online investment platforms (50%) and news outlets or financial websites (41%), rather than family and friends (37%) or influencers (34%). But it shows how seeing peers succeed can create a positive feedback loop that motivates individuals to take part in the markets.
Emotions will always be part of investing. But what this survey highlights is that UAE investors are not only aware of their emotions; they are able to manage them. If they’re right about controlling emotions being an important ingredient for success in the markets, then they’re on the right track.
Media Contacts:
About eToro
eToro is a trading and investing platform that empowers you to invest, share and learn. We were founded in 2007 with the vision of a world where everyone can trade and invest in a simple and transparent way. Today we have 40 million registered users from 75 countries. We believe there is power in shared knowledge and that we can become more successful by investing together. So we’ve created a collaborative investment community designed to provide you with the tools you need to grow your knowledge and wealth. On eToro, you can hold a range of traditional and innovative assets and choose how you invest: trade directly, invest in a portfolio, or copy other investors. You can visit our media centre here for our latest news.
Disclaimers
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
eToro is a group of companies that are authorised and regulated in their respective jurisdictions. The regulatory authorities overseeing eToro include:
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK
- The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in Cyprus
- The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia
- The Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the Seychelles
- The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the UAE
- The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in Singapore
This communication is for information and education purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice, a personal recommendation, or an offer of, or solicitation to buy or sell, any financial instruments. This material has been prepared without taking into account any particular recipient’s investment objectives or financial situation, and has not been prepared in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements to promote independent research. Any references to past or future performance of a financial instrument, index or a packaged investment product are not, and should not be taken as, a reliable indicator of future results. eToro makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication.
Regulation and License Numbers:
Middle East
eToro (ME) Limited, is licensed and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”)’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA“) as an Authorised Person to conduct the Regulated Activities of (a) Dealing in Investments as Principal (Matched), (b) Arranging Deals in Investments, (c) Providing Custody, (d) Arranging Custody and (e) Managing Assets (under Financial Services Permission Number 220073) under the Financial Services and Market Regulations 2015 (“FSMR”). Its registered office and its principal place of business is at Office 207 and 208, 15th Floor Floor, Al Sarab Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”).
