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Every generation thinks about investing a little differently.
This is partially due to the fact that each cohort finds itself on a distinct leg of life’s journey. While boomers focus on retirement, Gen Zers are thinking about education and careers. As a result, it’s not surprising to find that investment objectives can differ by age group.
However, there are other major reasons that contribute to each unique generational view. For example, what major world events shaped the mindset of each generation? Also, what role did culture play, and how do things like economic cycles factor in?
Finding Generational Discrepancies
Today’s infographic comes to us from Raconteur, and it showcases some of the most significant differences in how generations think about investing.
Let’s dive into some of the most interesting data:
1. Investment Outlook
The majority of millennials (66%) are confident about investment opportunities in the next 12 months. This drops down to 49% when boomers are asked the same question.
2. Volatility
How did different generations of investors react to recent bouts of volatility in the market?
- 82% of millennials made changes to their portfolios
- 69% of Gen X made changes
- 47% of boomers made changes
- 32% of the Silent Generation made changes
3. Knowledge and Ability
In terms of investment knowledge, 42% of millennials considered themselves to be experts in the field. On the same question, only 23% of boomers could say the same.
4. Financial Goals
Back when they were 27 years old, 45% of Gen Xers said their primary goal was to buy a home. Compare this to just 23% of millennials that consider a home to be their primary investment objective today.
5. Managing Investments
The majority of millennials (66%) saw the ability to manage all aspects of personal finance, including investments, in the same app as being important. Only 35% of boomers agreed.
Similarly, 67% of millennials saw recommendations made by artificial intelligence as being a basic part of any investment platform. Both Gen Xers and Baby Boomers were more hesitant, with 30% seeing computer-based recommendations as being integral.
6. Impact Investing
Millennials are twice as interested in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing, compared to their boomer counterparts. In fact, the majority of millennials (66%) choose funds according to ESG considerations.
Reasons for Not Investing
While generations may have varying investment philosophies, they seem a little more in sync when it comes to having reasons not to invest.
| Statement | Millennials | Gen X | Boomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognize future outlook would be better if they start investing | 72% | 73% | 57% |
| Want to try out investing with a low money commitment | 35% | 31% | 25% |
| Afraid of losing everything | 42% | 29% | 28% |
| Too worried about current financial situation to think about future | 49% | 46% | 32% |
| Find information about investing difficult to understand | 63% | 59% | 55% |
| Don’t have enough money to start investing | 55% | 59% | 56% |
There are some similarities in the data here – for example, non-investors of all generations seem to have an equally tough time learning about investing, and similar proportions do not believe they have the funds to start investing.
On the flipside, it seems that millennials are more worried about their financial future, while simultaneously seeing a risk of “losing everything” stemming from investing.