TL;DR
- US investor risk tolerance falls sharply from 2021 levels.
- Cryptocurrency ownership remains steady but interest in buying declines.
- Young investors continue using high-risk tools like options and margin.
Fresh data from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation indicates a clear reduction in the willingness to accept high levels of risk among U.S. investors. The survey includes 2,861 individuals who hold non-retirement investment accounts and reveals a pattern defined by growing caution and ongoing pressure to meet financial goals.
Only 8 percent of investors accept heavy exposure, far below the 12 percent recorded in 2021. Younger adults also retreat from high-risk positions, reaching 15 percent, down from 24 percent. Even so, 34 percent of all investors believe they must take risks to reach money targets, and 62 percent of adults under 35 express the same view. The data portrays a tension between restraint and perceived necessity.
FINRA Chief Economist Jonathan Sokobin states that the study delivers direct insight into current habits, pressures, and decision patterns. His comments aim to guide institutions that work on financial education and investor protection.
Ownership of cryptocurrency stays at 27 percent, yet interest in new purchases falls from 33 percent to 26 percent. Entry into the market slows sharply: only 8 percent began investing in the past two years, far below the 21 percent figure reported in the previous cycle.
Young Investors Maintain High-Risk Exposure Through Digital Channels
Younger investors continue to engage in demanding activity. Options, margin trades, and short-term tactics remain part of their routines. Forty-three percent trade options, and 22 percent use margin.
Digital platforms now influence investment decisions. YouTube leads the channel mix, and 29 percent rely on online content for information. Moreover, 26 percent follow guidance from finfluencers, a trend that grows among new market participants.
The study also reports rising fraud concerns and persistent gaps in knowledge. Investors average 5.3 correct answers on core market questions, with frequent errors on margin and short-selling concepts.
