UK investors remain underweight in emerging markets, despite two thirds of investment advisers now tipping the sector for further gains.

The research, compiled by JP Morgan Asset Management, showed that the average UK investor now holds less than 0.1 per cent of their portfolio in emerging markets.

However, 40 per cent of the 150 advisers polled said emerging Asia is their most favoured investment region.

Jasper Berens, head of UK sales at JP Morgan Asset Management said that it is encouraging to see IFA sentiment swinging back in favour of emerging markets.

He explained, ‘UK investors are structurally underweight in the biggest investment story of the century. I would like to see the weighting apportioned to emerging markets, better reflect the level of investor sentiment toward the region.’

Sixty one per cent of investment advisers said that they favoured emerging markets, with 23 per cent preferring the US, 13 per cent Japan and just ten per cent favouring Europe.

In addition, 40 per cent of IFAs said that Emerging Asia is the most favoured region within emerging markets.

A fifth (20 per cent) of those polled favoured Brazil the most and 7 per cent opted for Eastern Europe.

What Investment readers can read an exclusive survey on Asia Pacific Equity Funds in the February issue with full details of fund performance, charges, manager histories and investment strategies.