The state of trading in 2025

Overall, the investors and traders we surveyed felt confident in their 2025 portfolios; 80% of those we asked say they feel at least somewhat confident in making a return by the end of the year, while 34% strongly agree that they can turn a profit.

Younger traders and investors seem more confident in their ability to make money in 2025 than older generations, though, with 24-34 year olds being the most optimistic age group (88% are positive). In contrast, only 66% of traders and investors over the age of 65 are confident about receiving positive returns from their investment portfolio this year.

80% of our survey participants also feel confident that their investments would still support them through retirement, while only 7% disagree.

Despite the positivity, there are still some major anxieties regarding trading and investing. The most common point of concern is the potential of an economic downturn or recession, with 53% agreeing that they’re worried about the chances. Inflation is the second biggest concern among 46% of participants, and volatile markets and manipulation ranks third (worrying 40% of investors and traders in 2025).

Additionally, around half of those we spoke to say they believe AI and automated investors could outperform humans in the future.

When it comes to the most desirable sectors for investments and trading, those we surveyed believe that technological innovation will be of particular interest in 2025. This lines up with increased interest in the tech sector over the last several years.

36% of traders and investors said they feel confident in technology investments this year, making it the #1 sector that traders and investors will be looking out for. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies ranked second, with 32% of investors and traders feeling positive about their chances this year. AI and automation closely followed, with 31% of participants having confidence in its state throughout 2025.

Crypto proved to be an especially popular field with younger investors and traders, as 63% of 18 to 24 year olds feel positive about its future, compared to 9% of those aged 65 and over, who were most confident in technology and healthcare services. Younger generations also feel especially supportive of Forex trading, with 33% of 18-24 year olds and 25% of 25-34 year olds highlighting its potential.

The sector with the least confidence behind it in 2025 is retail and consumer goods, with only 9% of our respondents believing it will provide high returns this year. 25-34 year olds are most likely to support its chances, though, with 15% of this age group ranking it highly. Telecommunications, manufacturing, and entertainment/media all tied as the industries with the second least confidence, all ranking with 11% support.

There are various things that can influence our decisions as to how to invest or trade, but which are the most common in 2025?

Unsurprisingly, the potential for profit is the most common reason for the traders and investors we surveyed. In fact, 57% said the potential for high returns is one of their main influences when choosing additions to their portfolio, with company financials/stability ranking joint-second with market trends and expert advice – 56% of respondents mention each of them as a major influencing factor.

Just 45% of over 65s choose high returns as an influence, compared to 62% of 35-44 year olds, who are the most profit-minded age group.

Meanwhile, 30% of investors and traders we spoke to say that a company’s ethics and sustainability practices affected their trading choices, with 25-34 year olds being the most mindful of their portfolio’s morals (37% list it as a major factor).

Social media recommendations also influence 19% of our survey participants, being particularly popular among young people. 30% of 18-24 year olds take advice from social media, as well as 29% of 25-34 year olds.

On the other hand, almost none of our respondents over the age of 65 cite social media as a factor when it came to choosing their investments. By gender, males are also more likely to be influenced by social media, with 12% of women listing it as a factor compared to 22% of men.

Starting your investment or trading journey can be an intimidating prospect, especially with market uncertainty and major developments in the space in 2025. To get an idea of the biggest factors preventing new investors and traders from taking the plunge, we asked our survey participants what they believed the biggest barriers for getting started.

A majority of our respondents believe that fears around losing money are the main thing stopping potential investors and traders from starting to trade. 64% of participants mention it as a major barrier, with 18 to 24 year olds taking particular concern – 85% of this age group listed it as a worry.

The second biggest barrier to entry is a lack of knowledge on the practicalities of investment or trading, as 39% of those we surveyed mention this as a limiting factor. In comparison to losing money, older generations are more likely to list this as a barrier, with 45% of over 65s highlighting it. This is also a particular concern for women, with 49% citing it as a concern vs 35% of males.

38% of those we spoke to also believe that lacking the sufficient funds prevents potential traders and investors from starting their portfolio. Again, this is a particular worry for young investors and traders, with 60% of 18-24 year olds being limited by low starting funds.

For older investors and traders, the complexity of trading platforms and the industry jargon used ranks as a major concern. While 23% of overall participants raise it as an issue, 38% of over 65s and 27% of 55-64 year olds view it as a barrier to entry.

To see these insights at a glance, check out our infographic, which breaks down all the sections we’ve covered in a visual representation.

Our survey shows that with recent advancements in technology, there’s potential for people to benefit from investing or trading with the right knowledge. The trade and investment scene is generally positive about the future across all demographics, although older generations seem to feel left behind by changes such as new jargon and cryptocurrency.

Breaking into the world of trade and investments can be stressful without the right support, so choose the right trader to help you get your portfolio off the ground. Trade Nation have a collective 200+ years of industry experience across the team, making sure you get the best spread betting expertise on the market.

We believe trading should be accessible to everybody, no matter your experience or background. Sign up today, and see how you can start your journey with our team.