The Investment Trust Association announced yesterday the results of the "2024 Taiwan Public Survey on Mutual Fund Investments," revealing a significant drop in the percentage of individuals who have never invested in funds or ETFs, from 27% in 2023 to 18% in 2024. A remarkable 60% of respondents expressed a desire for "stable dividends," indicating a prevailing preference for conservative investment strategies.

The survey shows an increase in the proportion of those investing in both ETFs and funds from 30% last year to 35% this year, while those opting for "only ETF investment" rose to 34%. Conversely, the percentage of those choosing "only non-ETF funds" remained steady at 13%.

Investment behaviors vary significantly among different age groups. The 30 to 50 age group is the most proactive, with 39% investing in both ETFs and funds, while those over 50 tend to prefer traditional funds. Notably, 42% of respondents prefer a "regular investment plan to accumulate slowly," with amounts predominantly concentrated between NT$5,000 to NT$20,000, reflecting a preference for low-risk investments.

Of concern is the decreasing recognition among the younger generation about early retirement planning, despite the fact that 70% of respondents have begun preparing for retirement. 43% of those not yet preparing cite "lack of available funds" as a barrier, while 32% prioritize short-term goals such as marriage and education over retirement funding.