- 64% of investors are likely to diversify their portfolio in the next 6 months, compared to 51% last year.
- Over half (51%) of Australians are investing consistently and regularly using the dollar-cost averaging strategy, despite market volatility.
- Australians are putting more (23.4%) of their monthly net income towards investing compared to 15.3% last year.
Smart investors keep their cool as markets heat up: HSBC study
Media enquiries:
Jacqui Coleman
E-mail: jacqui.coleman@hsbc.com.au
Lillian Birchall
E-mail: lillian.birchall@hsbc.com.au
HSBC’s fourth Investor Insights Survey[1] has shown that despite market fluctuations Australian investors are continuing to adopt a consistent and regular investing approach, diversifying more and increasing the portion of monthly net income allocated to investing.
Investor behaviour
70% of Australians changed their investment approach in the last six months (October 2024 – March 2025). 40% of Australians have shifted towards a balanced[2] investing approach, compared to 32% last year.
Donahue D’Souza, Head of Investments at HSBC Australia, said in the current economic climate this is positive as it shows investors are taking a holistic view and reassessing their financial goals and being less reactive to market moves.
“What we’re seeing from the research is that investors are leaning into the golden rules of investing, one of which is to not try and time the market and to make regular contributions over time.
"It’s encouraging to see more investors create recurring investment plans and adopting the dollar cost averaging strategy, which involves putting the same amount of money into your portfolio at the same cadence.
“The number of investors looking to diversify their portfolios has increased significantly since last year, demonstrating even further how Australians are taking a smart and considered approach to investing, a strategy that can help them weather market fluctuations,” he said.
Popular sectors and international exposure
Investment sectors six months ago vs now / next six months
| Financials | Technology | Real Estate | Materials | Healthcare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six months ago | 48% | 34% | 29% | 27% | 25% |
| Now / next six months | 37% | 30% | 27% | 22% | 20% |
Financials[3] and technology[4] remain the most popular sectors to invest in, however interest in financials is decreasing (48% six months ago to 37% now).
“It was interesting to see the decline in popularity for financials, but we anticipate this will eventually revert back to an upward trend, given this sector has historically been a safe haven for investors due to strong earnings and growth.”
Exposure to Australia vs international markets
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Australian market | 68% | 75% |
| International markets | 32% | 25% |
Australians have about a third (32%) of their portfolio exposed to international markets, up from 25% last year, in North America (45%), Europe (29%), and UK (27%) respectively.
“Investors are increasingly deploying capital to other markets, getting exposure to more opportunities not available locally.”
Market volatility
“Don’t let this recent market volatility deter or scare you into making rash decisions. You can’t control markets, but you can control how you invest - remember to stick to your financial goals.
“For the brave investor willing to wear some short-term volatility, there are a few winners to be seen in a downturn. When it comes to sectors, we’re seeing a rotation into traditional defensive parts of the market, like healthcare and consumer staples, over cyclicals, like financials and other areas more tied to the economy.”
ADDITIONAL STATISTICS
Average minimum amount thought to be needed to start investing
- On average, Australian investors now think more is needed to start investing compared to last year.
- Younger Australians believe you need over $20,000 to start investing (Gen Z: $20,840 and Millennials $20,275)
- 2025: $18,002
- 2024: $13,251
- 2023: $15,245
- 2022: $14,762
Frequency of monitoring investments at least monthly
- Australian investors are monitoring their investments more frequently than last year.
- Monitoring at least monthly
- 2025: 76%
- 2024: 67%
- Not monitoring at all
- 2025: 2%
- 2024: 10%
Frequency of making investments
- Not investing regularly:
- 2025: 17%
- 2024: 26%
Sources of investment information
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Financial adviser | 34% | 26% |
| Market research / industry and analyst reports | 30% | 21% |
| Banks | 25% | 22% |
| I don’t seek investment information | 8% | 15% |
Main drivers for investing over next 5 years
- Save for an emergency fund (40%)
- Pay for a holiday (25%)
- Buy a house (22%)
- To pass onto the next generation (21%)
- Pay for children’s expenses (19%)
ABOUT THE SURVEY
HSBC undertook the research to better understand Australian investor’s behaviours and views regarding the investment market. From 21 – 25 March 2025, 1,010 Australian investors aged 18+ excluding those that invested only through superannuation, savings accounts or primary home that they live in were surveyed by YouGov via an online confidential poll.
GENERATION DEFINITIONS
- Gen Z (1997-2009) (only ages 18+ relevant for this survey)
- Millennials Gen Y (1981-1996) (ages 29-44)
- Gen X (1965-1980) (ages 45-60)
- Baby Boomer (1946-1964) (ages 61-70)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The statements contained in this media release are general in nature and do not constitute investment research or a recommendation, or a statement of opinion (financial product advice) to buy or sell investments. Some of the statements may be considered forward looking statements which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements. HBAU, HBAP and the HSBC Group of companies do not give any warranty or make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements contained herein, or as to changes in the statements after the publication.
HSBC Australia
In Australia, the HSBC Group offers an extensive range of banking and financial services through a network of branches and offices. Principal HSBC Group members operating in Australia include HSBC Bank Australia Limited (ABN 48 006 434 162 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 232595) and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (ABN 65 117 925 970 and AFSL 301737).
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,017bn at 31 December 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
1 Survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of HSBC between the 21st – 25th March 2025.
2 Balanced investment strategies aim to strike a balance between the potential for higher returns (from riskier assets like equities) and the protection of capital (from less risky assets like bonds).
3 E.g. financial services, investing, insurance, fin-tech.
4 E.g. software, hardware, e-commerce, social media, AI & Robotics.