What happened
The ASX Australian Investor Study 2026 revealed that 54% of Australian adults now hold investments outside their superannuation and primary residence. An estimated 2.5 million Australians joined the investor market since 2020, bringing the total number of Australian retail investors to 11.5 million.
Why it matters here
High participation demonstrates growing retail liquidity across Australian markets. It also highlights shifting investor habits, as younger demographics aged 18 to 29 adopt digital platforms and AI tools for research and financial guidance alongside traditional professional advisers and online brokers.
What to watch
The arrival of an estimated 950,000 non-investors who report plans to begin investing in listed assets over the next 12 months in Australia.
Source
abc.net.au