2024 Global Retail Investor Outlook 2025

Younger investors and those from emerging economies use a wider variety of information sources, including peer networks and social media Younger individuals and investors from emerging economies show higher interest in peer networks as a potential source of information. In total, 37% of Gen Z and Millennial investors turn to friends and/or family for guidance on how to invest, while 23% seek advice on social media. Social media and online peer networks provide relatability, especially for those historically excluded from capital markets. Only 23% of Gen Z and 30% of Millennial investors learn how to invest through financial advisers, while 35% and 36%, respectively, learn from friends and family. Concerns about social media and peer networks often focus on the accuracy of information. As with other types of social media content, sponsored posts and influencers may have financial incentives to promote certain products. Regulators have begun to explore disclosure requirements for finfluencers. Integrating financial education into university and graduate programmes and lower and secondary school curricula can provide an unbiased platform for the development of foundational financial knowledge. Widespread inclusion of financial education in schooling can help establish a universal baseline of financial literacy. Research shows that financial education in schools positively impacts individuals’ ability to manage personal finances, including debt management, long-term wealth planning and retirement investing.20 A total of 24% of Gen Z and 19% of Millennial investors learned how to invest in university or graduate studies, and 16% of Gen Z and 13% of Millennials learned how to invest in secondary or lower school, however significant gaps in financial literacy persist, with over 60% of young adults worldwide (under 35 years old) still not meeting financial literacy standards.21 69%70%55%of Gen Z and Millennials ranked recommendations from a friend or family member as important vs. 40% of Gen X and 25% of Baby Boomers.How important are the following factors when choosing a financial institution for investment purposes? Investor respondents Please select the importance of each choice at the time you learned how to invest. Investor respondents 57%of emerging market investors found social media important when learning to invest, compared to 43% in developed markets. of emerging market investors found (financial) education in university or graduate studies important when learning how to invest, compared to 57% in developed markets.57%of Gen Z and Millennials ranked recommendations from social media or online communities as important vs. 37% of Gen X and 20% of Baby Boomers. of emerging market investors found robo-advisers important when learning to invest, compared to 52% in developed markets. 2024 Global Retail Investor Outlook 28