Retail AI Investors Remain Confident Despite AI Bubble Concerns: Motley Fool Survey

Retail AI investors remain optimistic on AI stocks, finds Motley Fool survey

Recent news about AI stocks has been making waves in the stock market. Despite ongoing conversations about a potential AI bubble, retail AI investors are largely maintaining their AI stock holdings, according to The Motley Fool’s 2026 AI Investor Outlook Report.

Positive sentiment echoes broader stock market trends

Less than 10% of AI investors plan to reduce their AI stock exposure in the coming year, while approximately 60% of all Motley Fool survey respondents are confident in AI stocks’ long-term returns. This upbeat outlook mirrors a broader trend in the stock market, with companies scoring highly for AI readiness and execution notably outperforming the S&P 500. This data suggests growing confidence in AI-driven businesses and the potential for long-term growth, despite short-term volatility.

AI investors, younger, and wealthier Americans express strong confidence in AI stocks

Investor confidence in AI’s ability to deliver long-term returns is highest among younger adults, high-income Americans, and current AI investors, according to the survey. This optimism is rooted in AI’s transformative potential for businesses and the global economy, as explained by Asit Sharma, CPA, a senior investment analyst at The Motley Fool, and Donato Riccio, head of AI at The Motley Fool.

Majority of AI investors plan to hold or increase their AI stock holdings

AI investors seem set to maintain or increase their AI stock holdings in the coming year. Respondents from Gen Z and millennials, in particular, revealed plans to raise their holdings, despite concerns about high valuations. This bullish attitude seems to persist even amidst debates about a potential AI bubble.

Negative impact of AI slump not likely to significantly impact personal finances

Despite the potential for an AI market correction, most Americans do not believe this would have a significant impact on their personal finances. However, active AI investors, who have higher exposure, and younger investors believe they would be more vulnerable to such a downturn.

Data quality and overvaluation identified as top concerns for AI stock investing

When asked about the biggest risks for AI investing, Americans identified data quality and security, and the risk of overvaluation for AI companies as primary concerns. Other areas of concern included government regulation, energy use, infrastructure costs, and organizational readiness.

AI stock investing seen as a long-term market force

Many Americans, especially those already invested in AI stocks, see AI as a lasting market force rather than a temporary trend. This perspective is particularly prevalent among younger, tech-savvy, and higher-earning investors. Notably, AI stocks that scored highly in The Motley Fool’s Moneyball database have outperformed the market over the past five years, suggesting that optimism in AI stocks is a calculated, long-term play and not just hype.

Methodology

The Motley Fool conducted a survey of 2,600 American adults between Nov. 3 and Nov. 18, 2025, to gather this data. The results were then post-stratified for national representation based on age and gender. A proprietary AI-powered investment tool, Motley Fool Moneyball, was used to analyze and score thousands of public companies on key factors such as financial performance, product market position, technological capabilities, leadership quality, and relative valuation.