44 per cent of private investors expect the rally in the FTSE 100 to continue over the course of 2010, according to the latest research from Barclays Stockbrokers.

Research, conducted by the company in November 2009, found that just 22 per cent of its clients thought that the rally could not be sustained across the coming 12 months, although this figure was down from 27 per cent two months earlier.

Barbara Ann King, head of investments at Barclays Stockbrokers said that the highs and lows of the FTSE over 2009 did not deter investors showcasing confidence in their outlook and remaining active in their investments.

She added, ‘Investors have faced, and still face going into 2010, unprecedented challenges throughout the economic crisis, but many are clearly using this as a chance to take advantage of opportunities

‘Over the past two months there has been a notable rise in activity among our investors at what is traditionally seen as a ‘seasonal' period of quiet in the markets.’

The poll, conducted among 2,709 participants, also revealed a third of those surveyed (34 per cent) are still undecided in their outlook for this year.