The Masters of the Universe?

A study surveyed 2,842 millionaires, with investable assets of at least $1 million, in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland and Britain. The findings of UBS Wealth Management's survey show a high degree of worry about the global financial system on the one hand, and supreme self-confidence and optimism on the other.

Some 82 percent of those surveyed said this is the most unpredictable period in history. More than a quarter are reviewing their investments and almost half said they intend to but haven't yet done so.

But more than three quarters (77 pct) believe they can "accurately assess financial risk arising from uncertain events", while 51 percent expect their finances to improve over the coming year compared with 13 percent who expect them to deteriorate.

More than half (57 pct) are optimistic about achieving their long-term goals, compared with 11 percent who are pessimistic. And an overwhelming 86 percent trust their own instincts when making important decisions.

Among the other findings, 68 percent say they suffer from "information overload" as they make their investment decisions, and nearly three quarters (72 pct) say short-term distractions get in the way of their financial plans. Still, the report highlighted some aspects of their investment behavior that could ultimately work against them. For instance, 75 percent of those surveyed see cash as a safe option, "even though it will perform poorly compared with other asset classes in the context of rising inflation."