By Reagan Steele – Business & Economic Policy Writer

A new Gallup survey shows that six in ten U.S. investors are concerned about stock market volatility, with nearly three in ten saying they are very concerned. The findings come after a turbulent first half of 2025, when stocks surged to record highs early in the year, fell sharply in March and April, and then rebounded in May and June.

Gallup reports that 73% of investors expect volatility to continue throughout the year, and more than half believe the worst is still ahead. Concern is highest among Democrats (82% worried, 48% very concerned), while Republicans are more optimistic, with three-quarters saying the worst is already behind.

Despite the unease, long-term confidence in the stock market remains solid: 69% of investors still consider it a good way to build retirement wealth. Many are responding to market swings by buying into dips rather than pulling back, with 37% reporting they are purchasing stocks at lower prices compared to 13% selling to protect themselves from further losses.

For those worried about taking on direct market risk, some financial professionals point to insurance-based products such as fixed indexed annuities. These allow participation in a portion of market gains while protecting against large swings, offering investors an alternative path to balance growth potential with principal protection.

As volatility persists, investors are reviewing their accounts more frequently and seeking professional advice at higher rates than in the past. But overall, the Gallup findings suggest resilience: most Americans are uneasy, yet still willing to bet on markets—or carefully hedge against them—as they look toward retirement.