SYDNEY, Jan. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian investors have entered the new year with a pronounced enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) and a robust expectation of returns from their increasingly international portfolios, according to a comprehensive survey conducted by stock broking firm Moomoo Australia and New Zealand.
The survey, which engaged over 600 Australian investors, complements the release of Moomoo’s 2026 Market Outlook, where local experts and a global research team analyze pivotal trends in financial markets for the year ahead.
This year, investors are leaning towards high-growth sectors, particularly AI, exhibiting a readiness to sustain or heighten their risk exposure despite acknowledging economic uncertainties and geopolitical concerns.
The findings suggest Australian investors are becoming not only more engaged but also increasingly sophisticated in their technology usage. A striking 92% of respondents expressed interest in utilizing AI tools for investment support. Currently, 56% report using AI occasionally or regularly, while 37% express interest in adopting these tools but have yet to do so.
Michael McCarthy, chief executive officer of Moomoo, stated, “It is clear investors are excited about using AI as a powerful complement, not a replacement, for human judgment. The demand is practical – investors want AI to surface ideas, summarize complex research, and identify potential risks to improve decision quality.”
The survey revealed that 62% of investors seek both AI and human advice, while 12% prefer to use AI tools exclusively. A notable segment, comprising 31%, desires AI to formulate complete investment plans, indicating a growing trust in AI for structured financial planning.
Investors are looking globally in 2026, with the US market being their primary focus—75% plan to increase exposure there, followed closely by 67% targeting the Australian market. This is a marked shift from current investments, where 82% are allocated to Australia and 65% to the US. Additionally, the adoption of ETFs is on the rise, with 50% planning to increase usage and another 46% contemplating the same. Furthermore, 42% intend to boost their exposure to individual stocks.
Confidence in AI and technology investments remains strong, with 47% planning to maintain their current technology investments and 43% looking to increase them. Only 10% plan to reduce their exposure. Precious metals and cryptocurrencies are also on the radar for around a third of all surveyed investors.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Australian investors are cautiously confident regarding risk exposure in 2026. While 68% aim to maintain their current risk levels, 25% are prepared to increase their risk, and only 7% intend to scale back. This cautious approach aligns with their expectations of market returns ranging from 5% to 15% in Australia, potentially slightly higher in the US.
McCarthy commented, “Investors plan to double down on AI and technology investments. They’re seeking exposure to growth sectors of the US market, with their enthusiasm remaining high despite geopolitical concerns. They have a growing appetite for risk to match their expectations of higher returns.”
Key risk areas identified by investors include the broader economy (64%), market volatility (50%), and geopolitical tensions, which concern 47% of participants.
On the domestic front, cost-of-living pressures are influencing investment decisions, although they are not deterring investment altogether. Approximately 40% plan to allocate more funds in 2026, with a similar number intending to maintain their current investment levels, reflecting a broad reluctance to withdraw from the markets.
While investors maintain a strong expectation of returns and a willingness to invest, only half believe they will achieve their financial goals in 2026. A further 39% remain uncertain, indicating a demand for enhanced guidance and tools. Long-term retirement confidence appears mixed; only 22% feel fully confident in meeting their objectives.
McCarthy explained, “While investors are more uncertain than pessimistic, they want and need better tools and insights to manage risk and navigate a complex macro landscape to improve their confidence, whether through a financial adviser or AI assistants in their trading platform.”
The survey conducted by Moomoo Australia and New Zealand gathered insights from 642 active users of its trading platform, focusing on their current investing behavior, AI utilization, and expectations for 2026. The survey was conducted in-app during the first two weeks of December 2025, targeting Australians predominantly aged between 24 and 44 with less than five years of investing experience.
Moomoo’s 2026 Market Outlook was developed by Moomoo’s international research team and local experts, exploring key trends and issues in global financial markets for the year. Covering the New Zealand, Australian, and US economies, the outlook examines the forces shaping the markets, from AI to cryptocurrencies, providing insight into how trending sectors may perform for local investors.
Moomoo Australia and New Zealand operates the Moomoo platform, recognized as Australia’s most downloaded trading app of 2025. The AI-powered investment platform integrates global trading, up-to-date news, real-time market data, and an active trading community, granting investors access to securities across the Australian, United States, and Hong Kong markets. Moomoo Australia and New Zealand is a subsidiary of Futu Holdings, a global fintech operation listed on the Nasdaq.
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