A majority of independent registered investment advisors have a bullish stock market outlook over the next six months, according to a Charles Schwab survey.

Fifty-six percent of RIAs consider themselves bulls, while only 10% consider themselves bearish towards the stock market, according to the new survey. Moreover, 77% of RIAs expect the S&P 500 to rise in the next six months, according to the Charles Schwab Independent Advisor Outlook Study, a survey of more than 1,300 RIAs representing $284 billion in assets under management.

"While there is still uncertainty in the markets and in various parts of the world, independent investment advisors clearly think we are turning the corner economically," said Bernie Clark, executive vice president and head of Schwab Advisor Services.

Sixty-eight percent of advisors think consumer spending will increase over the next six months, with only 17% expecting unemployment to increase, according to the survey. Only 38% expect the housing market will continue to soften, down from 53% in July of 2010.

Thirty-nine percent said they are likely to invest more in domestic large caps, while 28% plan to invest more of their portfolio in international large caps in emerging markets and 22% plan to increase investments in international small caps in emerging markets. One in ten said they plan to increase their exposure to China, while 56% plan to maintain their current investments there.

The study also showed the increasing popularity of exchange traded funds, with 84% saying they currently used ETFs, and 31% planning to invest more in ETFs over the next six months.

Advisors are also citing more optimism with their clients, with the number of clients needing reassurance over the past six months dropping from 30% in July to 23%.

The survey also had advisors weigh in on recent headlines, with 64% saying U.S. Treasury yields will increase over the next six months, 85% believing the extension of the Bush tax cuts will have a favorable impact on the market, 55% indicating the Federal Reserve's quantitive easing activities will have a favorable impact and 64% believing inflation will increase over the next six months.

Financial Advisor magazine reaches 90,000 financial planners and investment advisors through its print publication and its Web site . It also publishes FA green , for advisors interested in socially responsible investing, and Private Wealth , for advisors targeting the ultra high-net-worth market.