According to Allianz Life's 2024 Q2 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study, Americans are feeling more comfortable about investing compared to last year, despite ongoing economic concerns. According to InvestmentNews, the survey included responses from over 1,000 individuals, and highlighted a general improvement in economic outlook and personal finance sentiments.

Concerns about a recession have decreased, with 55 percent of respondents expressing worry this quarter, down from 64 percent a year ago. Pessimism about the market also fell, with 37 percent of respondents feeling negative, compared to 46 percent in Q2 2023. However, investment anxiety remains highest among Black/African American (43 percent) and Asian/Asian American respondents (44 percent), compared to white (36 percent) and Hispanic (38 percent) respondents.

According to InvestmentNews, the study revealed a shift in attitudes towards holding cash. Currently, 56 percent of respondents prefer keeping cash on the sidelines, down from 62 percent last year. Millennials (61 percent) and Gen Xers (57 percent) are more likely to hold cash compared to Boomers (48 percent).

Additionally, the survey found that over half of those working with a financial professional desire more frequent meetings. While 85 percent had contacted their advisor in the past year, 71 percent of millennials, 65 percent of Gen Xers, and 37 percent of Boomers want more regular interactions with their financial advisors.

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