Many Investors Plan to Increase Retirement Plan Contributions in 2018

Forty percent of investors want to increase contributions to their retirement plan in 2018, up from 34% in 2016, according to E*TRADE’s “StreetWise,” its quarterly survey of investors. Nearly 40% want to adjust their asset allocation in response to market conditions, on par with last year.

Also consistent with last year, 35% want to learn more about investing, trading and the markets.

“The market in 2017 exceeded many investor expectations by continually reaching higher highs—pressing forward amid shifting political and social agendas, and significant Fed moves,” says Mike Loewengart, vice president of investment strategy at E*TRADE Financial. “As the sun rises in 2018, it’s no surprise that investors are more likely to be engaging with the market through retirement savings accounts given the bull market’s continued run. With a pro-business agenda in Congress, strong corporate earnings and the economy buzzing, investors are clearly hoping this bull has more room to run.”

The survey also uncovered that among various age groups, Millennials are the most interested in learning more. Gen Xers are the most focused on retirement investing, with more than half of this group saying they want to increase their retirement plan contributions in 2018.

More than half of Boomers want to change their portfolios’ allocations in 2018.

E*TRADE conducted the online survey of 918 investors in early October. To qualify, they had to have at least $10,000 in an online brokerage account.