HSBC's 14th annual Expat Explorer study – a global survey of over 20,000 people who live and work abroad – indicates that almost two thirds (65 percent) of expats feel optimistic about the year ahead despite the volatility of the past 18 months.

The key reason driving optimism is their hope to live ‘normally’ again (75 percent), but six in ten (61 percent) are also feeling positive because of the quality of life they will be able to enjoy.

Expats in Taiwan are the most optimistic (85 percent), closely followed by those in Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam (all 83 percent).

Overall in the study, which...