It’s no longer just Wall Street insiders driving the market—everyday Americans are pouring money into stocks at record levels. In fact, about 62% of U.S. adults now own stocks, a figure that has climbed back to pre-recession highs.
Even more striking, household exposure to equities has reached historic levels, with roughly 45% of financial assets tied to stocks. This surge has been fueled by easy-to-use apps, retirement accounts, and a strong belief that the market will keep rising. For many, investing feels like a smart—and necessary—move to build wealth. But as participation grows, so do the often-overlooked risks of stock market investing.
