Retail Investors Stay Confident in Stocks, Even as the Economy Wobbles

A weakening economy hasn’t shaken retail investors’ confidence in the stock market.

While economic uncertainty prompts consumers to rein in spending, many are actually doubling down on investing. According to a June survey by Finimize, a platform for retail investors, 70% of the 2,338 respondents expect global stock markets to rise over the next 12 months. Confidence in crypto is also rising, with 67% anticipating gains—both notable jumps from Finimize’s prior survey during a time of trade tensions and market pressure.

“This feels like a return to optimism,” said Carl Hazeley, CEO of Finimize. “We’re just shy of our all-time high in investor confidence, which tops out around 72% to 74%.”

That optimism has held firm even after April’s market volatility, when the Dow slipped into correction and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq briefly dipped into bear territory. Yet most retail investors stayed the course: 47% said they plan to invest the same amount over the next three months, and 40% said they’ll invest even more. Nearly half said they expect to put at least $10,000 into the market over the next year.

At the same time, many are adjusting their day-to-day finances. The survey found 44% are cutting back on spending to boost their investments:

• 71% are spending less on dining and entertainment,
• 60% on clothes and personal items,
• 36% on subscriptions,
• and another 36% on travel.

Hazeley said this reflects growing caution about recession risk, job security, and lingering inflation. But it’s also a sign of intentional, long-term thinking.

“Many are treating their investments like savings—89% said exactly that,” he noted. “They’re pulling back on lifestyle expenses to secure their future. It’s exactly what a financial advisor or money app would recommend.”

In short, retail investors are staying bullish on markets while preparing for economic uncertainty—investing more, spending less, and thinking long term.