Market volatility can be a scary ride for retail investors, especially those who are less experienced in the potential highs and lows of equity markets.
And given the volatility that has been a key feature of US equities so far in 2025, it’s understandable that a poll conducted among adult investors with least $10,000 invested in stocks, bonds or mutual funds (including within retirement accounts) reveals that 60% are concerned about market volatility and 28% of those are very concerned.
The Gallup poll was conducted from June 2-15, before the record highs reached by the S&P 500 and Nasdaq and their continued flirting with records.
However, it remains to be seen if the late-June rally has helped re-shape investors’ opinions with the poll showing expectation that the worst of the market volatility is not yet behind us, with potentially scary times ahead.
Women tend to be more concerned than men in market volatility issues and the survey continues that theme with 37% of women respondents saying they are concerned (32% very concerned) compared to 28% of men (25% very concerned).
The most concerned investors by age are those closing in on retirement (aged 50-64) where around one third are very concerned compared to around a quarter of those either side of this group. Those with $100K or more invested are also more concerned than those with less at stake.
Democrats (48%) and independents (25%) are far more likely to be very concerned than Republicans (9%), although around one third of each cohort are concerned to some degree. Democrats and independents are more likely to think volatility will continue throughout 2025.
However, despite the risks from tariffs and geopolitical tensions, the survey also finds that concern is roughly in line with May 2018, when Gallup’s poll was also during times of volatility and 55% of respondents were concerned.
However, compared with seven years ago, more respondents said they are checking their accounts more frequently and are slightly more likely to be consulting with an advisor or other financial professional.
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