SYDNEY, January 13, 2026 — A new comprehensive survey by stock brokerage Moomoo Australia and New Zealand reveals that Australian investors are starting the year with a strong appetite for artificial intelligence and expectations of solid returns from their increasingly global portfolios.
This detailed survey of over 600 Australian investors’ 2026 expectations and intentions complements the release of moomoo’s [market outlook report] today, where our local experts and global research team analyze key trends in financial markets for the coming year.
This year, investors are doubling down on high-growth sectors like AI—showing a willingness to maintain or increase their risk exposure—despite being well aware of economic risks and geopolitical concerns.
The findings portray Australian investors as highly engaged, globally focused, and increasingly tech-savvy in their use of investment tools.
Australian Investors Seek AI Assistance
Interest in and adoption of AI are exceptionally high: an impressive 92% of investors are keen to leverage AI tools for investment support. AI is already widely used, highlighting its rapid integration into modern investing practices—56% use AI occasionally or regularly, while 37% are interested but not yet using it.
“It’s clear investors are excited about using AI as a powerful complement, not a replacement, for human judgment. The demand is practical—they want AI to uncover ideas, summarize complex research, and identify potential risks to enhance decision-making quality,” explains Moomoo CEO Michael McCarthy.
Sixty-two percent of investors seek both AI and human advice, while 12% prefer to use only AI tools. Investors primarily want AI for basic support like finding investment ideas, but a notable 31% would like it to create a full investment plan—signaling growing trust in AI for structured financial planning.
Focus on US Market and Technology Sectors
For 2026, investors have a global focus: the US market is their top priority (75% plan to increase exposure), followed closely by Australia (67%). This is nearly the reverse of their current holdings—82% are invested in Australia and 65% in the US. Additionally, ETF adoption is set to rise: 50% plan to increase usage (and another 46% may do so), while 42% intend to boost their exposure to individual stocks.
Confidence in AI and technology remains strong: 47% will maintain their current tech investments, 43% plan to increase them, and only 10% aim to reduce exposure. Precious metals and cryptocurrencies are also popular choices for one-third of surveyed investors.
Risk Appetite and Cautious Optimism
Australian investors are cautiously optimistic about risk in 2026: 68% plan to keep their current risk levels, 25% are willing to increase, and only 7% intend to reduce risk. This appetite aligns with their expectations of 5–15% returns in Australia and slightly higher in the US.
“Investors are planning to double down on AI and tech investments. They’re seeking exposure to US growth sectors, with high enthusiasm despite geopolitical concerns. Their risk appetite is growing to match expectations of higher returns,” says Mr. McCarthy.
Key risks influencing investors’ decisions this year include the broader economy (64%), market volatility (50%), and geopolitics (a major concern for 47% of investors).
Locally, cost-of-living pressures are shaping investment allocation but not stopping investing: around 40% plan to invest more funds in 2026, with a similar number intending to maintain current levels—reflecting a broad refusal to pull back from markets.
Uncertainty About Goals Signals Need for Guidance
While investors’ return expectations and willingness to invest remain strong, only half expect to achieve their 2026 investing goals. Another 39% are unsure, suggesting a need for better guidance and tools. Long-term retirement confidence is mixed: only 22% are fully confident of meeting their goals.
“Investors are more uncertain than pessimistic—they want and need better tools and insights to manage risk and navigate the complex macro landscape, whether through a financial adviser or AI assistants on their trading platform, to boost confidence,” explains Mr. McCarthy.
Survey Background
Moomoo Australia and New Zealand surveyed 642 active users of its trading platform about their current investing behavior, AI usage, and 2026 intentions and expectations. The in-app survey ran during the first two weeks of December 2025. Respondents were Australian, mostly aged 24–44 with less than five years of investing experience.
About the Market Outlook
Moomoo’s [market outlook report] was developed by its international research team and local market experts, exploring key trends and issues in global financial markets this year. Covering the New Zealand, Australian, and US economies, it examines forces shaping markets and analyzes how trending sectors (from AI to cryptocurrencies) may perform for local investors.
About Moomoo
Stock brokerage Moomoo Australia and New Zealand operates the Moomoo platform—Australia’s most downloaded trading app of 2025.* This AI-powered platform integrates global trading, up-to-date news, real-time market data, and an active trading community, offering access to securities in Australia, the US, and Hong Kong. Moomoo Australia and New Zealand is owned by Futu Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed global fintech firm operating in eight markets worldwide.
*Source: data.ai, brokerage app downloads in Australia. Note: Total downloads combine Moomoo App installations from Australian iOS and Android stores. Due to an app version update, “Moomoo App” refers to the global app from January 1 to November 7, 2025, and the Moomoo Australia app thereafter. Rankings may change over time.
CONTACT: Media Inquiries (for interviews and photos) Moomoo Australia & New Zealand PR: Byron Smith pr@au.moomoo.com | 0411 272 701
