ETFs rival property as young Australians' first investment, Commonwealth Bank says

By Public Technologies
  • ETFs were the first investment for 22% of Australian on-exchange investors aged 18–29, matching residential investment property; Australian-listed shares led at 26%.
  • Australian ETF holders more than doubled to 2.82 million in 2026 from 1.35 million in 2020.
  • More than two-thirds of Gen Z investors trade ETFs, compared with fewer than one in five Baby Boomers.
  • Among investors aged 18–29, 31% bought, sold or made a new ETF investment in the past 12 months.
  • Comparable ETF activity reached 16% among pre-retirees versus 8% among retirees.


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