When stocks take a dive and gold shines brighter, what do Americans trust most with their long-term money?
According to Gallup’s latest data, it’s not crypto, bonds, or a savings account. It’s real estate. Again.
In Gallup’s April poll on investment perceptions, real estate came out on top for the 12th consecutive year as the best long-term investment.
Even as markets react to economic headlines—like Trump’s early-April tariff announcements and subsequent stock and bond turbulence—real estate remains the most trusted asset class for Americans of all income levels.
Byron Lazine broke down the report on Monday’s Hot Sheet:
Here’s what the latest numbers reveal and what real estate professionals should be paying attention to.
How Americans Rank the Best Long-Term Investments
Despite a year of market volatility and economic uncertainty, Americans didn’t flinch on their top pick. Real estate topped the list again with 37% of U.S. adults naming it the best long-term investment.
That’s a little up from last year’s 36% and consistent with its frontrunner status since 2014.
As for other long-term investments:
- Gold jumped 5 percentage points to 23%, reflecting growing interest in safer assets during market instability. Still, it remains below its 34% peak in 2011, during the post-recession years.
- Stocks declined, falling from 22% in 2024 to just 16%—a 6-point drop that wiped out last year’s gains.
Other investment preferences remained relatively unchanged:
- 13% selected savings accounts or CDs.
- 5% preferred bonds.
- 4% said cryptocurrency was their top long-term bet.
Note: Cryptocurrency and bonds have never registered above 8% and 10%, respectively.
Who’s Actually Investing—and in What?
Gallup’s report also sheds light on how Americans are actually investing their money, not just what they believe is best in theory.
- 62% of U.S. adults own stock, either through individual shares, mutual funds, or retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. This is the third year in a row stock ownership has stayed above 60%.
- 59% say they have money in a retirement savings plan (including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or IRAs).
And as always, ownership skews in predictable directions:
- Higher-income, married, older, and college-educated adults are far more likely to own stock or participate in retirement plans.
- Lower-income adults are more likely to opt for tangible, lower-risk investments like gold and savings accounts.
Investor Anxiety Is Creeping Up
As inflation lingers and recession fears loom, Americans are increasingly concerned about getting decent returns.
More than half (53%) of U.S. adults say they worry about not getting a good return on their investments, with 27% saying they’re moderately worried and 26% very worried.
That worry is more pronounced among stockholders, with 62% expressing concern about poor returns, compared to 38% of those without money in the market.
What This Means for Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents have a powerful narrative to lean into right now. Despite shifting markets, inflation fears, and economic headlines, Americans continue to place their trust in property as the most stable and reliable investment. Here are three key takeaways:
- Real estate is still the investment most Americans favor. While 23% of survey respondents say gold is the best investment, real estate stayed firmly in the lead for the 12th straight year. That consistency is a message worth sharing with hesitant buyers or long-term investors.
- Speak to risk-conscious consumers. As stock market confidence dips, more Americans, especially lower-income households, are leaning toward tangible, safer investments. Homeownership is not just a lifestyle goal; it’s a strategic financial decision.
- Leverage data to validate your value. With more than half of Americans worried about poor returns, real estate agents can step in with local market expertise, real-world comps, and practical financial insight to show how real estate can build long-term wealth, even in uncertain times.
As Byron pointed out on the Hot Sheet:
If Americans feel like the best long-term investment is real estate, what do you think’s going to happen when first-time homebuyers are in a situation where they have to make an offer outside their comfort zone? They’re more inclined to do it…They’re willing to stretch a little bit more because of that desire, because of that belief.
Use this data to reinforce your value, educate your clients, and remind buyers of the value of homeownership.
