Nearly 30% of Generation Z (born 1997–2012) began investing in early adulthood, often before entering the workforce, according to a World Economic Forum report. This compares with 15% of millennials and 9% of Generation X at the same age.
Ambrico Ranginui, now 21, started investing at 16 after saving birthday money and allowance. He initially put money into cryptocurrencies, which taught him a painful lesson about volatility. 'There was always something to be worried about,' he said. He now works as an investment analyst and invests in lithium, robotics and AI.
Gen Z investors cite economic uncertainty, low barriers to entry via apps and AI tools, and a pervasive online investing culture as motivations. Unemployment for 22–27-year-olds is nearly 8%, compared with 4.3% across the US, while social safety nets have weakened.
Natalya Guseva of the World Economic Forum said: 'This generation has less financial stability and social safety nets, so the onus shifts to the individual to think about their financial wellbeing.' Technology, she added, makes investing information accessible 'in the palm of your hand'.
Most Gen Z investors favour long-term, low-cost diversified funds such as ETFs. About 75% hold ETFs in retirement accounts, versus 60% of baby boomers, according to a Nasdaq study. Shivana Anand, 23, a software engineer, started investing in index funds during college and now has a mid-six-figure portfolio.
A smaller subset of Gen Z takes higher risks, including in AI startups and crypto. But the majority adopt a cautious, steady approach, reflecting both financial insecurity and a cost-savvy mindset.
