Equity trading levels among investors have increased, or remained the same, over the past six months, according to stocks and shares website ADVFN.com.

Figures revealed almost 25 per cent of investors have been more active in trading equities in the past six months and a further 27.5 per cent confirmed their activity was unchanged.

Of the 49 per cent who were less active in trading equities in the current market conditions, half had not moved into any other asset class of instrument. For the other 50 per cent, spread betting was the most popular alternative destination for their money – followed by commodities, FOREX and CFDs.

In terms of trading opportunities, the majority of those polled felt that the current market conditions created additional trading opportunities. Just 30 per cent believed that it afforded less and 18 per cent said that the current conditions did not affect how they traded.

Clem Chambers, CEO of ADVFN, says, ‘This survey reveals that although some investors are sitting on the sidelines watching and waiting to re-enter the market, many more have simply adapted how they trade. It is also apparent that many find that the volatility actually creates opportunities in their trading.

‘During the past six months, ADVFN has experienced strong growth against this background of market volatility. Traffic on the site has grown significantly in this period, which highlights that the markets are compelling, whether they are going up or down.’