Britons moot giving stocks as gifts

Just over one quarter of Britons are considering giving shares as a Christmas present, in a new sign of positive consumer sentiment towards investing.

Lloyds TSB Wealth Management also found that 46 per cent of people would like to receive some stocks in their stockings.

What''s more, of those who want to give the shares as gifts, half say that they offer "value for money" and "longevity".

Lloyds'' survey comes following several months of severe volatility on the global markets.

Around half of equities'' value has been lost since the onset of the credit crunch last year – leaving shares attractively priced for some.

Prabal Gupta, director of marketing and investments at Lloyds TSB Wealth Management, said: "Many of us struggle for inspiration when it comes to buying Christmas presents and often resort to trusty gloves, slippers or socks.

"For more adventurous Christmas shoppers, giving stocks and shares could be an unusual alternative. An investment in someone''s favourite football team or brand is sure to be a welcome surprise on Christmas morning."