Nearly half of younger investors plan to increase the amount of
money they invest in the stock market this year, far outpacing
their older peers, according to a recent survey from TD Ameritrade
Holding Corp. (AMTD).
The brokerage's survey of roughly 1,000 investors with at least
$10,000 in investable assets found 46% of individuals between the
ages of 18 and 34 expect to step up their market bets this year,
compared with just 20% of those ages 35 and older.
"Younger investors tend to be more optimistic because they have
time on their side. As investors get closer to retirement, they
tend to become more cautious, and what's going on in the economy
right now has exacerbated those feelings," said TD Ameritrade Chief
Executive Fred Tomczyk.
The survey also found investors of all ages surprisingly upbeat
about the market prospects for the months ahead despite the
persistent overhang of a debt crisis in Europe and a slowly growing
U.S. economy.
Roughly half of all investors said they were "optimistic" about
investing conditions in the next three months, including 56% of
those ages 18 to 34 and 44% of those above the age of 35.
-By Mia Lamar, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-3207;
mia.lamar@dowjones.com