A recent survey indicates a significant uptick in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among retail investors, highlighting an increase of 46% within a single year. This trend reflects a growing shift in how individual investors approach portfolio management, with 19% now incorporating AI tools for investment decisions, up from 13% the previous year.
The global interest in AI tools remains steady, with 39% of investors expressing openness to using these technologies, slightly up from 38% the prior year. The uptake of AI is becoming evident across various demographics including age, gender, and investment experience. Notably, millennials are leading this trend, with 72% already using or being willing to use AI tools compared to 61% last year. Meanwhile, Gen Z follows closely at 69%, while baby boomers are also seeing growth, rising from 30% to 35% in their adoption.
Commentary from experts in the field emphasizes AI’s rising role in investing. The advent of tools like ChatGPT has made AI more mainstream, providing investors with advanced analytics and the capability to detect trends, thus facilitating more informed investment decisions. This technology is seen as leveling the playing field between retail investors and institutional investors, allowing individuals to harness sophisticated data analysis techniques.
The survey also outlines that AI is the primary topic of interest for retail investors learning over the next year, with 23% expressing a desire to deepen their understanding of AI strategies. Other popular topics include cryptoassets and blockchain technology (22%), as well as tax regulations (18%) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) (17%). While millennials show equal interest in AI and crypto/blockchain strategies, Gen Z appears more focused on cryptocurrency, demonstrating a preference that could shape future investment trends.
While many retail investors are enthusiastic about AI’s potential to enhance their investment strategies, there are also challenges. These include the complexities of algorithms, ensuring data accuracy, and effectively integrating AI tools into existing investment strategies. Due to these hurdles, the desire to learn more about AI remains strong among retail investors, who recognize its transformative power.
The survey findings reflect a strong market confidence in AI, with over half of the respondents (55%) anticipating an increase in the value of AI-related stocks in 2025. Only 23% foresee stabilization in stock prices, while a mere 11% expect a decline. Long-term investment themes are also shaped by digital transformation and AI, which were cited by 31% of investors as critical areas of focus, alongside interests in crypto, clean technology, and automation.
Overall, the sentiment appears robust regarding the future of AI in investment strategies, suggesting that retail investors see potential beyond mere tools. As confidence helps to drive interest, the belief that AI will contribute to efficiency and innovation in the market continues to grow. Investors are prepared for possible short-term fluctuations but maintain a positive outlook on AI’s long-term trajectory as a core conviction in their investment philosophies. This growing adaptation points to a broader acceptance and integration of AI in retail investing, reflecting a significant shift in how individual investors are approaching the market in the modern age.