The percentage of Americans owning stock has surged in recent years, according to a new poll. Analytics firm Gallup found that 62% of U.S. adults reported owning stocks in 2024 and 2025. That’s a level not seen since 2007,before the Great Recession sent markets reeling.

While the report didn’t pinpoint specific causes, several factors likely contributed to the increase. These include strong performance from popular technology stocks, the rise of user-pleasant online trading platforms, and greater availability of employer-sponsored retirement plans.

“62% of Americans reported owning company shares in 2024 and 2025, the highest level since before the Great Recession.”

What the Data Reveals

Since 1998, Gallup has annually surveyed Americans about their stock ownership, either directly or through a spouse. This includes investments in individual company shares, mutual funds, and retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.

The survey results remained fairly consistent around 60% for the first decade. However, the Great Recession led to a stock market crash, widespread job losses, and a decline in confidence in the financial system.

Over the next decade, stock ownership remained below the 60% mark, hitting a low of 52% in both 2013 and 2016. It wasn’t until 2023 that the rate returned to 60%, and then climbed to 62% in 2024 and 2025, nearing the record of 63% set in 2004.