The start of the second half of the year brings with it a complex outlook for the world of investments amid an unstable global context. The global survey by Natixis Investment Managers reveals how Mexican investors are responding to an environment of high inflation and growing economic uncertainty, and which factors concern them most as they make decisions aimed not only at preserving their wealth but also growing it.
After 15 years of low interest rates, high returns, and relatively steady performance, individual investors around the world are now worried about how the current period of instability may affect their long-term investment goals, with corresponding effects on decision-making and financial planning.
In the face of ongoing uncertainty, the survey—conducted among individual investors with more than $100,000 in invested assets—found that three-quarters (73%) now prioritize safety over performance in their investments, while 72% are concerned that markets will become more volatile in the future.
Inflation, Market Crash, and Collapse
In Mexico, the leading investment concern is inflation, cited by 61% of respondents, followed by fears of a market crash (48%) and an economic collapse (44%).
Amid persistent inflation, two-thirds (66%) say they are saving less due to higher everyday expenses. Nearly half (48%) are also concerned that if the “Magnificent Seven” weaken, their portfolios would suffer a significant negative impact, as many Mexican investors have diversified into global investments.
Additionally, one-third of Mexican investors with exposure to global markets want their advisor to connect them with investment opportunities in private markets, viewing it as an alternative amid ongoing volatility.
When asked how they define investment risk, 28% of respondents in Mexico associate it with exposing their assets to market volatility, 21% define it as underperforming the market, while 14% link it to loss of wealth and another 14% to not achieving financial goals.
Furthermore, 55% of respondents in the country described their risk tolerance as moderate, 23% as conservative, and 11% as very conservative. Only 8% identified as aggressive investors, and just 1% as very aggressive.
Mauricio Giordano, Country Manager at Natixis Investment Managers Mexico, commented: “Geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and rising prices are pushing investors to adjust their performance expectations and carefully analyze how to maximize their opportunities. In times like these, it is vital not to lose sight of long-term investment goals to avoid making decisions based on market noise.”
In this context, Mexican investors are increasingly turning to financial advisors as a way to professionalize their investments and improve returns, in addition to the sense of security that such support provides.
In Mexico, 32% of respondents said their relationship with their primary financial advisor is mostly passive—only involving them in significant decisions. Additionally, 36% said it functions as a partnership, with the advisor participating in most investment decisions. Finally, 26% stated they are in control: their advisor offers recommendations but does not make the decisions.
Individual Investors in Mexico: Key Figures
Of the 7,050 investors surveyed in Latin America, 33% were from Mexico (300), with an average age of 46.
46% are Millennials, 30% Generation X, and 24% Baby Boomers. On average, respondents plan to retire at age 63 and expect to live 20 years in retirement.
The reported average household income (median) was approximately $239,167 annually.
69% indicated that their wealth comes from employment—that is, working for someone else—while 26% said it comes from business ownership or self-employment. Additionally, 42% cited investments as a source of wealth, and 23% reported receiving an inheritance or financial support from family.
On average, respondents have approximately $452,788 accumulated specifically for retirement, across all investment accounts.
