Janus Henderson Investors has released the findings of its Investor Survey entitled “Insights for a Brighter Future.” It aims to have a better understanding of how individual investors are navigating the ever-changing market.

Results from Janus Henderson Investors' latest survey reveal that the current political landscape is a significant source of anxiety, with 49 per cent of investors surveyed concerned about the impact the 2024 US presidential election will have on their finances.

This figure surpasses more immediate developments including persistent inflation (35 per cent), risk of recession (29 per cent), rising interest rates (27 per cent), and poor stock market performance (20 per cent), the survey shows.

The survey, which was conducted by US research firm 8 Acre Perspective among 1,000 mass affluent and high net worth investors nationwide with $250,000 or more in investible assets, sought to have a better understanding of how individual investors are navigating the ever-changing market. It took place from July to August 2023. 

Given the uncertainty, it is perhaps not surprising that 34 per cent of investors feel anxious about their finances, the firm said. Notably, older investors are more concerned about the election than younger investors. Nearly seven in 10 members of the Silent Generation (ages 75+) are very concerned about the 2024 US Presidential election compared with 37 per cent of Millennials (ages 25 to 40), the survey reveals.

“Despite investors’ concern about the 2024 US Presidential election, results haven’t historically been a reason to exit the capital markets,” said Matt Sommer, head of specialist consulting group at Janus Henderson Investors. “In fact, looking back at S&P 500 returns from 1937 through 2022, the average annual return was 9.9 per cent in presidential election years, and 12.5 per cent in non election years.”