Key US Investing Statistics
These key insights from YouGov’s US Investment Trends Report 2025, which highlight shifts in American investor behaviour:
- 55% of prospective 2025 investors are Gen Z or Millennials, signalling a shift in market dynamics.
- Despite 83% of investors viewing cryptocurrency as risky, Gen Z investors are nearly 4x more likely to own crypto than a retirement account.
- 70% of Gen Z and 68% of Millennials feel confident managing their investments, yet only 32% of Gen Z work with a financial advisor.
- Stocks and real estate are among the fastest-growing investment products for younger generations, while older investors favour options, futures, and traditional assets.
- 48% of Gen Z investors use cryptocurrency exchanges—more than those investing via banks (40%).
- Two-thirds (66%) of Gen Z investors consider ESG factors important when selecting financial products.
- Lack of money (46%) is the top reason Americans don’t invest, far outweighing concerns like complexity (8%) or bad past experiences (5%).
- Bloomberg leads in overall customer satisfaction, while Fidelity is the top choice for Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Self-Directed Investment Accounts
For investors interested in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency, self-directed investment accounts provide greater control and flexibility. These accounts are regulated by the SEC and FINRA and are best suited for experienced investors navigating more complex financial markets.
Compare Self-Directed Investment AccountsIndividual Brokerage Accounts
A stock brokerage account allows individuals to buy and sell securities such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. These accounts are regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing flexibility but no tax advantages. Capital gains and dividends are subject to taxation, making them best suited for investors seeking unrestricted access to their funds.
Compare Individual Brokerage AccountsIndividual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
IRAs are tax-advantaged accounts designed for retirement savings. Traditional IRAs allow tax-deductible contributions, but withdrawals are taxed as income. Roth IRAs, on the other hand, require after-tax contributions but offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Self-employed individuals and small business owners can utilize SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs, which provide higher contribution limits and employer-matching benefits.
Compare Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)401(k) and 403(b) Plans
Employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) accounts enable employees to contribute pre-tax income, reducing their taxable earnings while investments grow tax-free. Regulated by the IRS and DOL, these plans are particularly attractive when employers offer matching contributions, effectively providing free money toward retirement. Withdrawals are taxed as income, but funds can be rolled over into an IRA to maintain tax advantages.
Compare 401(k) and 403(b) PlansHealth Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA is a tax-efficient account used for medical expenses, available to individuals with high-deductible health plans. Contributions are tax-deductible, investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses remain untaxed. Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), unused HSA funds roll over indefinitely, making them a valuable long-term healthcare savings tool.
Compare Health Savings Account (HSA)529 College Savings Plan
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account designed for education savings. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses such as tuition, books, and housing are also untaxed. These plans are regulated by the IRS and administered at the state level, making them a popular choice for parents saving for their children’s higher education.
Compare 529 College Savings PlanTrust Accounts
Trust accounts help high-net-worth individuals manage and transfer wealth efficiently. Regulated by the IRS and SEC, these accounts can be structured to minimize estate taxes and ensure financial security for beneficiaries. Depending on the trust type, they can offer asset protection and controlled distribution of funds.
Compare Trust AccountsCompare Investment Accounts in the USA
We’ve compared the best investing accounts in America for buying and selling stocks, mutual funds and ETFs.
US Stock Broker | US Stocks Available | Dealing Commission | Margin Rates | Customer Reviews | More Info |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17,913 | 0.003% | 5.33% – 6.33% | 4.4 (Based on 934 reviews) | Visit Broker Your capital is at risk | |
6,000+ | 0% | 0% | 3.7 (Based on 144 reviews) | Visit Broker Your capital is at risk | |
5,000+ | 0% | 8% – 11% | 0.0 (Based on 0 reviews) | Read Reviews | |
4,000+ | 0% | 10.2% – 13.2% | 2.0 (Based on 1 reviews) | Read Reviews | |
4,000+ | 0% | 8.575% – 13.075% | 4.3 (Based on 22 reviews) | Read Reviews | |
5,000+ | 0% | 8% (Flat) | 3.2 (Based on 23 reviews) | Read Reviews | |
7,000+ | 0% | 8.5% – 12.075% | 0.0 (Based on 0 reviews) | Read Reviews | |
5,000+ | 0% | 9.49% (Flat) | 0.0 (Based on 0 reviews) | Read Reviews |