According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, only 56% of Americans participated in the stock market in 2025, down from 58% in 2022, leaving roughly 4 in 10 out of the market. The article notes that the S&P 500 has historically produced average annual returns of around 10% since 1957, while savings account rates have historically stayed under 1%. It illustrates compounding by noting that investing $300 per month over a 35-year career could grow to roughly $1 million at a 10% average return, versus about $220,000 at 3%. The article acknowledges that stocks carry more risk, which it says can be reduced through diversification and long-term investing, and it mentions automated investing tools.
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