Inside Americas Stock Market
The U.S. possesses the largest and most influential stock market industry in the world. The U.S. accounts for roughly 60% of the total value of the entire global stock market industry. In 1990, the combined value of all publicly traded companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges totaled $3 trillion. Today, that value has soared to more than $55 trillion.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is America’s first stock exchange. Established on May 17, 1792, the NYSE was the first formal, regulated marketplace for the buying and selling of stocks. Since then, a number of other stock exchanges have been established. Among the more notable, the NASDAQ was launched in 1971, becoming the world’s first fully electronic stock exchange.
As of today, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, there are 16 active registered national securities exchanges where stocks are traded. However, the NYSE and NASDAQ are by far the biggest. Combined, these two exchanges account for roughly 70% of total U.S. stock trading volume.
The U.S. stock market is often called one of the greatest generators of wealth. A $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 in 1980, with dividends reinvested, would be worth around $1.1 million at today’s market valuation. But what percent of Americans actually partake in the fruits of the U.S. stock market?
In an annual poll by Gallup, in 2025, 62% of Americans either directly or indirectly own stocks. Ownership is broadly defined and includes individual stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and retirement accounts such as an IRA, 401(k), 457(b) and 403(b) among others. The 62% level of ownership matched the prior year and is just shy of the record high 63% reported in 2004. Gallup began tracking this data back in 1998.
The percent of Americans owning stocks plummeted from 61% in 2008 to just 52% in 2016. This was caused by the fallout of the Global Financial Crisis from 2007-2009. Between October 2007 and May 2009, the S&P 500 fell nearly 51%. This created a tremendous erosion of trust and confidence in owning stocks for many Americans.
Stock ownership varies greatly among the various income, education and age demographics. 87% of households with income of $100,000 or more have money in the stock market. This drops to 71% for middle-income households ($50,000-$99,999). However, just 28% of lower-income households (Less than $50,000) say they are currently invested in the stock market.
Whether someone owns stock is also heavily influenced by their level of education. College graduates are far more likely to own stocks (84%) than non-college Americans. Stock ownership drops to 60% for Americans with some college and 42% for those with a high school diploma or less.
Stock ownership becomes a bit more dynamic with respect to one’s age. The highest rate of stock ownership (72%) goes to Americans aged 50-64. The second highest (65%) is the 30-49 age group followed by 61% for Americans 65 and older. The lowest age demographic to own stocks (44%) goes to Americans aged 18-29.
Investing in the stock market has been one of the most effective ways for individuals to build wealth over the long term. At the same time, it does involve a degree of uncertainty, emotional discipline and risk. In the short term, the stock market can be unpredictable with bouts of volatility and market downturns. The stock market should be treated as a long-term engine rather than a short-term solution. This way, it can become more a powerful ally rather than a source of stress.
Mark M. Grywacheski, Investment Advisor
Quad Cities Investment Group is a Registered Investment Adviser.
This material is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Quad Cities Investment Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Quad Cities Investment Group unless a client service agreement is in place.