The Unconventional Investments of Young People in the USA

Learn everything you need to know about the unconventional investments of young people in the USA.

If you had a large sum of money available, would you invest in stocks and bonds or rare watches, classic cars, and fine wine? For wealthy young Americans, the answer is clear: traditional investments are out, and collectible luxury items are in. Let's examine what this shift reveals about global trends and conditions.

A new Bank of America (BofA) study of individuals with at least $3 million in assets found that 72% of those under 43 do not feel secure investing solely in traditional assets like stocks and bonds, compared to 28% of older generations. Instead, Gen Z (born 1997–2012) and Millennials (born 1981–1996) prefer investing in luxury items such as jewelry, sneakers, and antiques.

This shift aligns with projections that these generations will dominate the luxury market by 2030, making up as much as 85% (25%–30% from Gen Z and 50%–55% from Millennials). It also reflects a changing approach to wealth: for younger generations, wealth is not just about financial assets but also the ownership of rare and valuable objects, according to BofA.

 

Generational differences in wealth transfer and philanthropy

The BofA study also highlights the different approaches to wealth distribution across generations. For instance, 32% of younger generations are willing to donate inherited artworks to museums or cultural institutions, while 77% of older generations prefer to keep these assets for personal use.

This trend extends to philanthropy, with younger investors showing a greater willingness to support charitable causes. However, older generations remain skeptical about their successors' ability to manage philanthropy effectively, with only 50% believing the next generation is prepared to take on these responsibilities. This generational gap reflects broader changes in wealth management, as younger individuals seem more inclined to "give back" and engage in social contributions compared to previous generations.

Financial prospects and future expectations

Wealthy young Americans also display more optimism about the economy compared to older generations. According to the survey, 51% of Gen Z and Millennials rate the U.S. economy as "very good" or "excellent," compared to 24% of older respondents. Similarly, while only 6% of older generations view the global economy positively, 46% of younger individuals have a more optimistic outlook.

The "unconventional" investments of young people in the USA

The value of

Given what we’ve outlined above, investing in alternative assets instead of more "traditional" ones (e.g., stocks, real estate) could potentially offer protection against inflation and market instability. Additionally, the value of rare and timeless luxury items—such as collectible watches, wines, or artworks—may increase over time.

However, caution is needed, as the Greek investment environment differs significantly from that of the U.S., and the liquidity of such investments is lower than that of more traditional options. Accordingly, before making any decisions, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the market to avoid overvalued or questionable purchases.

 

Sources: Fortune

 

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