Despite ongoing investor demand for exchange-traded funds, baby boomers appear to be bucking that trend, new research shows. Experts say there may be a good reason for it.
Only 6% of surveyed baby boomers — those born 1948-1964 — say they plan to “significantly increase” their ETF investments in the next year, according to a new study from Charles Schwab. That compares with 32% of millennials — those born 1981-1996 — and 20% of Generation X, born 1965-1980.
Boomers are also the generation least likely to say they are open to putting their entire portfolio in ETFs in the next five years, with 15%, versus 66% for millennials and 42% for Gen X.
Schwab’s research study into ETF investing has been ongoing for more than 10 years. In 2025, it collected responses from 2,000 investors: 1,000 who participate in ETFs and another 1,000 who don’t. From that sample, 16% were boomers, 35% were Gen X and 43% were millennials.
Here’s a look at other stories offering insight on ETFs for investors.
