Baring Asset Management said that the figure of 18% marks the highest number recorded in its retirement sentiment survey since 2009 and is an increase on the 17% seen in 2014. The research was conducted online by ICM.

Of those that might invest in emerging markets in the long-term, the number of people looking to access them through one fund that covers all emerging markets also continued to rise.

The research showed that one in seven (13%) would look to invest in a single portfolio, up from 12% in 2014 and 8% in 20134.

When asked about specific emerging markets, the research found that 8% said they would likely invest in major Asian economies such as China, India and South Korea while the same number said Emerging European markets such as Poland.

One in 20 (5%) said they would likely look at the ASEAN region while 4% – double the number from the last year’s survey (2%) – said they would likely look at Frontier Markets.

Sentiment towards emerging markets was more positive among younger segments.

Of those that might invest in emerging markets in the long-term, some 15% of 18-24 year olds said they would likely consider investing in a single portfolio that covered all emerging markets compared to 8% of 55-64 year olds. While 15% of 18-24 year olds would look at BRIC economies, this falls to just 1% of pre-retirement 55-64 year olds.

Rod Aldridge, head of EMEA wholesale distribution at Baring Asset Management, said: “The emerging markets asset class represents a significant number of countries and a significant slice of the global economy. We believe it can form an important part of a balanced, risk-adjusted investment portfolio – as long as investors get proper financial advice and build a suitable portfolio for their particular requirements.

“Despite uncertainty around some emerging markets, fuelled in part recently by concerns over China’s economy and the impact on regional Asian economies, we believe that the asset class will grow in significance over the long term.”