Gen Z investors seek short-term gain amid financial turbulence

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Across generations, retirement is the No. 1 investing goal in the US. That said, Gen Z is far more likely to focus on getting rich or learning to invest than older age groups. While 81% of baby boomer investors have their eye on retirement—no surprise as they approach that milestone—just 35% of Gen Z investors consider it their main priority.

Beyond the chart: Gen Z’s greater focus on short-term gain goes beyond funding Shein hauls and Postmates orders. Finances are a top source of stress for this age group, which grew up during the Great Recession and began entering the workforce amid the pandemic. As a result, many members of this debt-averse generation prioritize financial stability in the short term over saving for the long term.

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