The Irish Stock Exchange will outperform its British and euro-zone equivalents over the next year and a half, according to a new survey by IR magazine.

The survey, conducted among domestic and international portfolio managers and analysts, found that 84 per cent of respondents believe that the Republic will outperform the euro zone within the next 12- 18 months.

This confidence was based on a number of factors, including the general strength of the Irish economy in comparison to other euro-zone states. Respondents also cited the value of Irish stocks and the high level of domestic consumer confidence.

Almost three-quarters of participants - 72 per cent - also believe Irish stocks will outperform British companies over the coming 18 months. IR magazine found that financiers had more confidence in the British economy than in most of the euro zone.

Respondents to the survey, commissioned from London-based Mary Maude Research, were also asked to vote for Irish-listed companies they think deserve recognition for their investor relations policies. The winners will be announced during IR magazine's Irish conference, to be held on April 26th in Dublin. Categories include best investor relations by a chief executive or chief financial officer and best investor roadshows.

Those participating in the survey and voting were drawn from both the buy and sell sides of the analyst and portfolio manager communities in the Republic, Britain and continental Europe.