Q3 - 2025
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 2025.
This quarter’s Modern Investor Pulse tells a story of cool-headed thoughtfulness and pragmatism in the face of uncertainty. Although optimism has rebounded from its recent nadir, retail investors’ strategies remain essentially unchanged, demonstrating their long-term strategic thinking.
Here’s a preview of the highlights from the Q3 Pulse
70% of retail investors think global stock markets will be higher in 12 months
47% plan to invest at least $10,000 in the next 12 months
67% believe bitcoin will be higher in 12 months, up from 57% last quarter
44% have reduced everyday spending to free up investment capital
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.
Last quarter, as short-term post-election windfalls in the US gave way to a more muted reality, investor optimism – the share of respondents who think global stock markets will be higher in a year’s time – sank to its lowest point for over two years. In just one quarter, however, that optimism has surged back, rising from 60% to 70% – and maintaining the trend of closely tracking the direction of the S&P 500.
Q: Do you think global stock markets will be higher 12 months from now?
Q: How have tariff concerns affected your investment approach? “I have...”
Tariff concerns this quarter haven’t dictated investors’ strategies
The Pulse reiterated retail investors’ considered approach, showing over a third maintained the same level of investment contributions in the context of tariff concerns, while a quarter have stayed disciplined in their ap- proach, perhaps reflecting their confidence in last quarter’s adjustments. Smaller proportions, meanwhile, have adjusted their asset class and indus- try exposure in response to tariff concerns this quarter.
Nvidia stays top pick
Nvidia remains the top stock choice, with 39% planning an investment, followed by Apple and Microsoft at 27% (when asked "Which stocks do you plan to invest in over the next 12 months?").
Get The Full Q3 2025 Report
The full report dives deep into the minds of retail investors and the trends shaping how they'll invest in the quarter ahead.
