Report finds Gen Zs started investing well before older generations did
Talk to a Gen Z about investing and don’t be surprised if they become animated about cryptos and robo-advisors, but glaze over when stocks and bonds are mentioned.
A newly released report from the World Economic Forum shows the influence of the youngest cohort of adults on the global retail investing landscape, with technology at the forefront of these next-gen investors’ minds.
Across 13 economies spanning the globe, the research reveals how investment is ‘a thing’ for Gen Zs far earlier than it was for previous generations with 30% of the cohort saying they started investing in early adulthood – compared to 9% of Gen X and 6% of Baby Boomers wo did so.
In fact, by the time they enter the workplace, 86% of Gen Z have learned about personal investing, while just 46% of Boomers said the same.
Across all respondents, 29% said they avoid stocks due to a lack of understanding, while only 24% say the same about crypto. For those under 44 who hold crypto assets, more than half allocated at least one third of their total portfolio to these assets.
Unsurprisingly, younger generations are more open to using AI for financial advice than the oldest cohort; 41% of Gen Z and Millennials reported they would allow an AI assistant to manage their investments compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers.
For full disclosure, the survey was developed in partnership with Robinhood and BGC.
“Innovative financial advisory tools, such as AI-enabled products, could fill the gaps where traditional financial advisory may be too expensive or out of reach,” said Stephanie Guild, CFA, senior director, investment strategy, Robinhood. “Innovations that lower barriers to entry and enrich digital advice with intrinsic guidance, can help make financial advice more accessible, enabling more people to participate in the markets with greater confidence.”
