Gen Z Considers Investing More Heavily in the Next Six Months

The U.S. stock market quickly shook off the coronavirus last spring, and as we head into autumn and winter, Americans are relatively split as to where they see the market headed.

Sentiment toward the stock market appears to be relatively even across generations. The data indicate a slightly higher incidence rate of bullish-ness among 25 to 54 year olds, but the elevated optimism is slight.

A positive sign for the markets, however, is income. Thirty-eight percent of people in  households making $100,000 or more per year feel bullish, which is significantly more bullish than those making under $50K a year.

And when it comes to bulls against bears, the kingmaker may unsurprisingly be the pandemic. Americans who think the pandemic will be over in America within the next six months are 70% more likely say they’re feeling bullish. Americans who think the coronavirus will be a problem past the start of spring? They are 60% more likely to be bears.

When it comes to investing their own money over the next six months, Americans who plan on investing less than they normally do outweigh those who plan on investing more by a 40% margin.

Age is a story here too, with close to a quarter of Gen Z (22%) saying they plan on going heavy on the investment front, more than doubling the rate of the 55 and older crew.

Once again, how someone feels about the coronavirus is a difference maker, with Americans who think it will be over in six months are likely to invest more heavily during that timeframe than people who think the coronavirus will last past March.

As America heads into an uncertain autumn, it certainly seems like they are making their investment decisions based on their coronavirus views. Next up, CivicScience will publish a study on RobinHood, and other investing apps, to understand the tools consumers are using to manage their personal finances and navigate the market during unprecedented times.