Nearly nine out of ten Irish investors are feeling optimistic about their personal finances, according to RaboDirect Investor Barometer of 555 investors.

84% said that they are optimistic about their financial situation - this is up from 81% in November of last year.

When asked how they feel about the Irish economy, 89% percent said that they felt confident about the performance of the Irish economy during the next three months. This is down marginally from a 91% confidence rating in the last survey.

Irish investors outlook for the global economy is less positive, only 56% said that they believe that there is value to be found in stock markets.

Investors indicated that they are most interested in backing technology companies, followed by healthcare firms, the financial sector, commodities and green energy.

Confidence in Irish property is down from 67% to 57% as the market tightens.

“With the likelihood that the current low growth and low inflation trend will persist in the medium term, the challenge for investors is around achieving a return on their available funds," said RaboDirect head of investments, Killian Nolan.