Moomoo Survey: Australian Investors Double Down on AI as Global Ambitions Grow in 2026

Australian investors have entered 2026 with a strong appetite for artificial intelligence, global markets and higher-growth opportunities, according to a new survey by stockbroking firm Moomoo Australia and New Zealand.

The comprehensive survey of more than 600 Australian investors reveals widespread enthusiasm for AI-driven investing tools, a growing focus on the US market, and a willingness to maintain or even increase risk exposure despite persistent economic and geopolitical concerns.

The findings accompany the release of moomoo’s 2026 Market Outlook, which analyses the key forces expected to shape financial markets over the year ahead. Together, they paint a picture of investors who are increasingly sophisticated, globally oriented and eager to use technology to navigate a complex macroeconomic environment.

AI Takes Centre Stage in Investor Decision-Making

Interest in artificial intelligence is exceptionally high among Australian investors, with 92% expressing interest in using AI tools to support their investment decisions. Adoption is already well underway, with 56% saying they use AI occasionally or regularly, while a further 37% are interested but not yet active users.

The data suggests AI is rapidly becoming embedded in everyday investing workflows, rather than being viewed as a niche or experimental tool.

Michael McCarthy, chief executive officer of Moomoo Australia and New Zealand, said investors view AI as an enhancement rather than a substitute for human judgment. “It is clear investors are excited about using AI as a powerful complement, not a replacement, for human judgment,” he said.

“The demand is practical – investors want AI to surface ideas, summarise complex research, and identify potential risks to improve decision quality.”

While 62% of respondents said they want a combination of AI tools and human advice, 12% indicated they would prefer to rely solely on AI. Investors most commonly want AI support for idea generation and basic analysis, but trust in automation is growing, with 31% saying they would like AI to create an entire investment plan.

Takeaway

US and Technology Lead Global Investment Intentions

The survey highlights a clear shift in geographic focus for 2026, with Australian investors looking beyond domestic markets in search of growth.

Three-quarters of respondents (75%) said they plan to increase exposure to the US market this year, compared with 67% who intend to add to Australian holdings. This is almost the reverse of current portfolio allocations, where 82% are invested in Australian equities and 65% already hold US assets.

platform-traded funds are expected to play a growing role in that global expansion. Half of all respondents plan to increase ETF usage, while a further 46% said they may do so. At the identical time, 42% plan to increase exposure to individual stocks.

Conviction in technology and AI-linked sectors remains strong. Nahead half of investors (47%) plan to maintain current technology allocations, while 43% intend to increase exposure. Only 10% expect to reduce holdings in the sector.

Beyond equities, alternative assets are also attracting attention. Around one-third of investors said they are likely to and cryptocurrencies, reflecting continued interest in diversification and non-traditional stores of value.

Takeaway

Risk Appetite Remains Firm Despite Economic and Geopolitical Concerns

Despite heightened awareness of economic uncertainty, market volatility and geopolitical risk, Australian investors are showing little inclination to retreat from markets.

More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) plan to maintain their current level of risk exposure in 2026, while 25% are willing to increase risk. Only 7% said they intend to reduce risk.

This appetite aligns with relatively optimistic return expectations. Investors are targeting returns of between 5% and 15% in the Australian market, with slightly higher expectations for US investments.

Mr McCarthy said investors are balancing optimism with caution. “Investors plan to double down on AI and technology investments,” he said. “They’re looking for exposure to growth sectors of the US market, with their enthusiasm high despite geopolitical concerns. They have a growing appetite for risk to match their expectations of higher returns.”

The main risks investors say will influence their decisions this year include the broader economy (64%), market volatility (50%) and geopolitics (47%).

Domestically, cost-of-living pressures remain a factor, but they are not deterring participation. Around 40% of investors plan to invest more funds in 2026, while a similar proportion expect to maintain current investment levels.

Takeaway

Confidence Gap Highlights Demand for Better Tools and Advice

While return expectations and willingness to invest remain strong, confidence in achieving investment goals is more mixed.

Only half of respondents expect to meet their investing objectives in 2026, while 39% are unsure. Longer-term confidence is even fragileer, with just 22% saying they are fully confident of meeting retirement goals.

Mr McCarthy said the findings point to a growing need for guidance and better decision-support tools. “While investors are more uncertain than pessimistic, they want and need better tools and insights to manage risk and navigate a complex macro landscape to improve their confidence,” he said.

“Whether that’s a financial adviser or AI assistants in their trading platform, investors are looking for support that assists them make sense of and uncertainty.”

The results suggest that platforms combining technology, education and are well positioned to meet evolving investor needs.

Takeaway

A Younger, Tech-Savvy Investor Base Shapes the Outlook

The survey was conducted among 642 active users of the during the first two weeks of December 2025. Respondents were predominantly Australians aged between 24 and 44, with less than five years’ investing experience.

This demographic profile assists explain the strong embrace of AI, global markets and higher-growth assets. It also reflects a generational shift in how investors engage with markets, favouring digital platforms, real-time data and community-driven insights.

Moomoo’s 2026 Market Outlook, produced by its international research team and local experts, explores how trends such as AI adoption, cryptocurrency development and macroeconomic change may play out across Australian, US and New Zealand markets.

As investors enter the year with optimism tempered by uncertainty, the survey suggests technology will play an increasingly central role in how Australians invest, manage .

Takeaway

Overall, the findings show Australian investors begining 2026 engaged, globally focused and open to innovation, with artificial intelligence emerging as a defining feature of the modern investing experience.