Q3 – 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 third quarter of 2024 as well as diving into how first-time investors got started. Our exclusive data reveals that retail investors are the most optimistic they’ve ever been: over three-quarters believe global stock markets will be higher in a year.
Here’s a preview of the highlights from the Q3 Pulse
76% of retail investors think global stock markets will be higher in 12 months
43% plan to invest at least $10,000 in the next year
46% of retail investors got started thanks to a conversation with someone who invests
Women slightly more likely than men to make a first investment of $10,000 or more
The Finimize Index
Retail Investor Sentiment Vs. The S&P 500
The Finimize Index tracks retail investor sentiment across our 1.1 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: what was the catalyst for you to start investing?
First-time investors influenced by socializing over social media
Despite the rise of “finfluencers”, almost half (46%) of retail investors started investing following a conversation with someone that invests. The second biggest driver was a change in financial circumstances, which was understandably higher amongst older respondents.
Social media influencers were ranked as the least impactful catalyst (4%). Even among younger investors (under 18s and 18-24 year-olds), less than 10% were encouraged to invest by something they saw on social media.
Q: which stocks do you plan to invest in over the next 6-12 months?
Stocks and ETFs are the most popular investment choices
AI-linked tech continues to surge, pushing global stock markets to new highs, while a rate cut in the eurozone and anticipated cuts in the UK and US have helped stocks continue to be retail investors’ top choice, with 65% of survey respondents planning a purchase in the next 6-12 months.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, the most popular stocks among modern retail investors were those benefiting from the AI megatrend. Nvidia (35%) retained its position as the top pick, followed by Microsoft and Apple (both 33%), Amazon (29%), and Alphabet (22%). Notably Tesla – which has lost around 60% of its value since its 2021 peak and counts an estimated 46% of its investor base as retail – only forms a part of 17% of Pulse respondents’ plans.
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 held steady, as did the number of those planning to invest in crypto.
alternatives
money market funds
commodities
FX
Get The Full Q3 2024 Report
The full report dives deep into the minds of retail investors and the trends shaping how they'll invest in the quarter ahead.
