Schwab survey shows 46% of retail investors bearish on US stocks in Q4
SCHW•Charles Schwab's Q4 2026 sentiment report found 46% of retail investors bearish on U.S. stocks, up from 35% in Q3, while bullish sentiment fell to 36% from 47%. Despite increased caution, 46% planned to add money to portfolios, and about 90% remained confident about reaching their financial goals.
1. Investor sentiment shifts
Charles Schwab's Q4 2026 sentiment report showed 46% of retail investors bearish on U.S. stocks, compared with 35% in Q3, while bullish sentiment fell to 36% from 47%. Geopolitical conflict was expected to have the biggest market impact for the rest of the year by 57% of investors. Despite increased caution, 46% planned to add money to portfolios, and approximately 90% remained confident about reaching their financial goals. Among active traders, 84% were at least somewhat likely to buy a notable market decline over the next three months.
