A new report from social networking site iCrowd has found that young wealthy investors are investing less of their portfolio in the stock market and more in alternative assets versus older investors.
The survey confidentially polled a large sample of accredited investors – investors with over $1 million in investable assets, excluding the value of a primary residence, or individual annual income exceeding $200,000 – aged 18 and older. The survey gathered information about investors’ approaches to asset allocation, trust in Wall Street and the financial community, key investment decision drivers, and general awareness of online investment opportunities.
According to the survey, 49% of young accredited investors (ages 18-29) are currently invested in private company securities (private placements and angel investments) compared with 21% of 45-60 year olds. Young accredited investors are also more interested in alternative investments. 18-29 year olds have allocated 7% to both private equity and hedge funds, in comparison with their senior counterparts, who have allocated only 4% and 2% respectively to the same asset classes. And with an average of only 30% of young investors’ portfolios in equities, as opposed to 48% of baby boomers, results suggest that the Facebook generation may be more receptive to less traditional asset groups.
More than one quarter of young accredited investors rank investing in a business that supports the local community as a top factor when making investment decisions, as opposed to 11% of total respondents. The importance of cause-related investing for millennials is not a new trend. According to the American Dream Composite Index, “Individuals ages 24-35 are much more likely to participate in traditional crowdfunding campaigns; those over 45 are significantly less likely to back campaigns.”
Regardless of age, 71% of accredited investors 18 and up who responded to our survey do not know they are considered accredited, and thus, eligible to invest in certain asset classes. The recent lift on the ban on general solicitation opens myriad doors for these investors, which they might ignore simply because they are unaware they qualify.