What happened
The ASX Australian Investor Study 2026 revealed a record 11.5 million adults, or 54% of the population, hold investments outside superannuation and primary residences. Since 2020, 2.5 million new investors entered the market. The survey found an average investor age of 46 with median gross income of $110,000, while 14% of young investors aged 18 to 29 use AI tools for investment advice.
Why it matters here
High retail participation deepens liquidity in domestic equities and ETFs, changing how capital flows into Australian financial markets. The rapid uptake of digital platforms and artificial intelligence by younger cohorts signals an ongoing structural shift toward direct wealth management. Product issuers and broking platforms stand to benefit from an estimated 950,000 prospective investors planning to start trading over the next year.
What to watch
Upcoming product launches on the ASX targeting retail investors and updates on regulatory guidance around AI-generated financial advice.
Source
abc.net.au