Volatility, Covid and inflation worry Americans, survey finds

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%.