Almost 2 million households invest in financial instruments
In 2021, the number of investing households increased by 12% to 1.9 million. During the past year, the need for higher returns was the primary reason to start investing. The majority have chosen to make investments without taking advice. There is also a growing trend towards spreading the deposits over time. This is evident from the Consumer Investments Monitor (Consumentenmonitor Beleggen) published annually by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).
In brief
- Beginners like to invest without advice.
- Investors often check the value of their portfolio.
- The percentage of investors making periodic deposits in their investment account has increased.
- Few non-advised investors are interested in professional assistance or support in relation to investing.
Beginners like to invest without advice
For 66% of beginning investors, non-advised investing is the most preferred investment method. This way of investing therefore emerges once again as the most popular channel among beginners. Besides non-advised investing, it is also possible to invest using asset management services or with the help of an investment adviser.
Investors often check the value of their portfolio
We see that a third of investors check the value of their investments at least once a day. In fact, 50% of risk-seeking investors check the value of their portfolio every day, compared to 26% of investors who describe themselves as cautious. Moreover, beginning investors monitor the value of their investments more often than experienced investors. Websites and apps have increased the ease of use of investment services.
The percentage of investors making periodic deposits in their investment account has increased
The percentage of investors who periodically deposit money in their investment account has increased from 29% in 2020 to 38% in 2021. By spreading out the purchases over time, investors can reduce the chance of buying just when the market peaks. However, the frequency of deposits has decreased: in 2019, 91% of investors were making deposits monthly, while that figure is only 78% this year.
Few non-advised investors are interested in professional assistance or support in relation to investing
Of the non-advised investors, 74% said they were not interested in professional assistance or support in relation to investing. Another 14% do not know whether they are interested, and 12% would like some assistance. The people who want assistance are mainly looking for an opportunity to ask questions and an explanation of how to build a portfolio. They are also open to suggestions for investments that are suitable for their circumstances.
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