NatWest has issued a warning to all customers over the age of 55, highlighting a generational gap in investing confidence. The bank's research reveals that while Gen Z is the most investment-curious generation, with 73% either open to or already investing, over-55s are nearly three times more likely than under-25s to feel that investing is not for someone like them.
Generational Differences in Investing
Gen X, despite still having decades of investing runway ahead, emerges as the least confident generation when it comes to investing. The findings come from research commissioned by NatWest to support a new campaign aimed at helping people overcome the confidence barriers that make investing seem out of reach.
Campaign Details
Developed in partnership with TV presenter and consumer finance expert Angellica Bell, the campaign launches amid a growing national conversation about encouraging more people to invest. This includes the Labour Party government's 'Invest for the Future' initiative, which aims to make investing more accessible to everyday savers, and the introduction of Targeted Support to help banks provide more meaningful guidance on investing.
Aroma Khan, NatWest Investment Expert, said: 'At a time when many people are carefully managing their money and thinking hard about their financial priorities, we understand that investing may not feel like the right step for everyone. But for those who are in a position to save, investing can still feel out of reach, either because it was never talked about growing up or because it seems like you need a certain level of knowledge or money to get started.'
'That’s why we’ve launched this campaign: to help break down those perceptions and support people in understanding whether investing is right for them, at a pace that works for them. We want to help more people feel confident enough to explore that first step, if and when they’re ready. In reality, it’s often about starting small, for example through something like a Stocks and Shares ISA, building understanding over time and recognising that you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one.'
'By making investing feel more accessible and achievable, we hope to support people in turning that initial curiosity into informed action.'
