Q2 – 2024
Finimize Modern Investor Pulse
We asked thousands of retail investors from our million-strong global community about what they’re expecting and how they’re planning to invest in the second quarter of 2024 as well as where and how they’re keeping up to date with financial markets. Our exclusive data reveals that retail investors are the most optimistic they’ve ever been: almost three-quarters believe global stock markets will be higher in a year, despite concerns about a bubble developing in AI and cryptocurrency assets.
Here’s a preview of the highlights from the Q2 Pulse
42% of retail investors use social media significantly less than they used to for investing
65% more interested in getting financial advice and information than ever before
85% of survey respondents said they’re in favor of a long-term approach and don’t adjust their investments daily or weekly
74% of retail investors think global stock markets will be higher in 12 months
The Finimize Index
Retail Investor Sentiment Vs. The S&P 500
The Finimize Index tracks retail investor sentiment across our 1 million global community and is updated every quarter. The percentage of respondents who think global stock markets will be higher a year from now has shot to its highest level since our survey began, coinciding with the S&P 500 hitting fresh new highs.
Q: Do you think global stock markets will be higher 12 months from now?
Q: which source do you trust most for information and news to inform your investments?
Social media’s influence over investment decisions has declined
The role social media plays in modern retail investors’ decision-making is declining significantly, with 42% of respondents saying they use social media significantly less than they used to for investing. However, 65% of retail investors are more interested in financial advice and information than ever before, ranking independent trade and financial media as the most trustworthy, and social media as one of the least trusted sources of information and news to inform their investments.
Q: which stocks do you plan to invest in over the next 6-12 months?
Stocks and ETFs are the most popular investment choices
With AI-linked tech still surging and economists continuing to forecast US interest rate cuts, albeit later in the year than previously, retail investors’ interest in stocks has remained strong, with 69% of respondents saying they’re looking to allocate money toward the asset class.
Nvidia (36%) overtook Microsoft (33%) as the top stock pick, closely followed by Apple (33%), Amazon (27%), and Alphabet (23%) – all companies that are benefiting from investors’ seemingly never-ending bout of AI fever.
Q: where do you plan to invest most of your surplus income over the next 6-12 months
Investing in ETFs was the second most popular choice for retail investors. The number of respondents planning to invest in cash products and money market funds dropped compared to last quarter, while the number of those planning to invest in crypto picked up, likely thanks to the recent approvals of spot bitcoin ETFs.
Money Market Funds
traditional alternatives
commodities
non-traditional alternatives
FX
