Emerging markets equities are the most popular asset class among Mena investors across the region, according to the first annual Gulf Professional Adviser Survey (GPAS). Almost 60% of those surveyed expected to increase their exposure to emerging markets over the coming year, with a further 31% planning to keep their exposures unchanged.

The survey also found that 80% of Mena advisors do not use Shariah-compliant products and that allocations to developed markets’ fixed income and hedge funds products is falling.

The survey, published by Insight Discovery, was based on the responses of 211 professional advisors who work with international asset management or life companies in the region.