Volatility, Covid and inflation worry Americans, survey finds

Volatility, Covid and inflation worry Americans, survey finds
Three-quarters fear new Covid variant could cause a recession.
JAN 14, 2022

Stock market volatility and a correction are in the cards for 2022, say a majority of Americans in a poll conducted by Allianz Life.

More than three-quarters (77%) expect the stock market to remain volatile this year and 59% expect a correction, the survey found. In addition, 67% say they are worried that new Covid variants will cause another recession, and 74% say they are concerned about their purchasing power over the next six months. Almost two-thirds, 64%, say their income is not keeping up with expenses, and the same amount worry their income will not keep pace with tax increases.

“With added pressure from increased uncertainty, 61% say they are worried their current financial strategy won’t provide the lifestyle they’d like to have in retirement,” Allianz said, noting that one-third of those surveyed said that putting some money into a financial product that provides a guaranteed stream of income in retirement is the most important step in having a secure retirement.

Thirty-nine percent of Gen Xers expressed interest in a product that offers guaranteed income compared with millennials at 33% and boomers at 30%.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.