Only 25% of Americans believe it is currently a good time to invest in the market, a decline from 34% in the previous quarter, according to the Q2 2026 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study released by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement. The drop in confidence mirrors sentiment last seen in Q2 2022 during a surge in inflation. The study highlights growing caution among investors as concerns about a potential recession and ongoing market volatility rise.

The findings indicate that 62% of respondents worry a major recession is imminent, an increase from 54% in the prior quarter. Additionally, 71% are concerned that continued market volatility could negatively impact their long-term financial plans. In response to these conditions, 50% of Americans have made changes to their investments to make them less risky because of recent market volatility.

Investor Sentiment and Demographics

Recession anxiety varies across generations, with Boomers (57%) less likely to express concern compared to Gen X (62%), millennials (65%), and Gen Z (63%). When it comes to adjusting portfolios, Gen Z investors are the most active; 59% of Gen Zers have made changes to reduce risk, compared to 55% of millennials, 45% of Gen Xers, and 41% of Boomers.

Risk Tolerance and Financial Professional Impact

The study found that 58% of Americans are looking to add more protection to their portfolios following recent volatility. However, willingness to take on risk to combat inflation is declining, with only 47% comfortable doing so, down from 54% last quarter. The stakes for financial professionals are high, as 62% of respondents stated they would stop using their current financial professional if they did not help reduce exposure to market volatility.

Economic Anxiety Among Younger Generations

Younger Americans report significant financial strain. Gen Z is the most concerned about job security, with 62% worried about being laid off due to an economic downturn in 2026, compared to 47% of millennials and 37% of Gen X. Furthermore, 75% of Gen Zers report they have not been able to contribute to their savings as much in the past six months due to the current economic environment.

The Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement conducted an online survey in May 2026 with a nationally representative sample of 1,003 respondents aged 18 and older in the contiguous U.S.

The latest US ADP Employment Change weekly data has come in at an actual figure of 30.75K, surpassing the previous reading of 25.5K. The ADP Employment Change is a closely watched indicator of private sector hiring activity in the United States, offering insights into labor market conditions on a weekly basis.

Weekly Employment Change at a Glance

The reported figures highlight a week-on-week improvement in private sector employment additions. The following table summarizes the key data points from the latest release:

Reading the Data

The weekly ADP Employment Change figure of 30.75K represents an increase compared to the prior period's 25.5K. The ADP report is widely referenced as an early indicator of private payroll trends in the US labor market. The week-on-week rise suggests a pickup in hiring activity within the private sector during the reported period.

Key Highlights

• Current actual reading: 30.75K
• Previous reading: 25.5K
• The actual figure exceeded the prior period's level, indicating stronger private sector employment additions

The ADP Employment Change data serves as a significant data point for market participants monitoring US labor market dynamics. The increase from 25.5K to 30.75K in the weekly actual figure reflects a measurable shift in private sector payroll trends for the reported period.