Confidence is beginning to return to the stocks and shares market, research from Lloyds TSB Wealth Management has revealed.

According to its fourth Investor Outlook report, the amount invested in stocks and shares is up 17 per cent from £24,000 in December 2008, to £28,000 today, pointing to an increase in investor confidence.

Meanwhile, the report also revealed that the number of investors who have felt confident in the stock market over the last six months has risen from 16 per cent in December 2008, to 28 per cent today.

Commenting, Prabal Gupta, propositions, investments and marketing director of UK private banking at Lloyds TSB said: “In the past few months, we have seen signs of stabilisation in the markets with some commentators suggesting the first ‘green shoots’ of economic recovery are starting to push through.

“The signs may be small, but this confidence seems to be infectious. Rather than simply talking about recovery, investors are putting their money where their mouth is and cash is starting to flow back into the FTSE. This can only support what could be the first step on the long road to economic recovery.”

Meanwhile, the survey found that despite an increase in confidence, seven out of 10 cautious investors have reviewed their investment portfolios in the past six months, and of those, 40 per cent have moved some or all of their money into more cautious investments such as cash or bonds.

However, investors are still looking to the media for financial advice, while less than 30 per cent of investors consulted a financial adviser before carrying out portfolio changes.

Commenting, Mr Gupta adds: “Investing in the stock market always brings with it a certain amount of risk. However, with the right financial advice and accurate assessment of financial needs and risk appetite, the upside can be significant.”

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