Spectrem Group, a consulting firm specializing in the affluent market, says it expects financial advisors to see more business as a result of the September 11 attacks.

Spectrem says that in a recent survey of affluent investors in the United States, 20% said they will consult with an investment advisor more frequently following September 11. Almost 40% said they would be more diligent in the day-to-day management of their investments, according to the study, The Impact of September 11th on Affluent Investor Attitudes and Behavior.

“These shifts in behavior will create opportunities to investment advisors who are prepared to assist their clients in adapting to new investment climate,” said Catherine McBreen, managing director at Spectrem. McBreen noted that the planned use of advisors was highest (31%) among investors with a net worth below US$1 million.

“Although most investors said they will not be altering their investment behavior, our survey did reveal some interesting changes in investor attitudes and planned behavior based on the events of September 11,” said McBreen.

Over half (54%) of the respondents said they will be looking for investment buying opportunities and 52% said they will show their patriotism by investing in U.S. companies, she said.

Spectrem Group conducted a survey one month (October 11th to October 14th) following the attacks. A group of 120 affluent investors, those with financial asset net worth of US$500,000 or more was surveyed by telephone.