How much the average Australian investor earned in 2021

Ever wondered how large the portfolios of your friends and neighbours are? And how much they raked in last year? Here are the answers.

| More on:
A young woman checks her investments on her tablet.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Australian investors made "a small fortune" over the course of 2021, a new survey has found.

Research conducted by comparison site Finder showed 75% of Australian stock investors boasted a positive return in the past year.

The average growth of their portfolios was a pleasing 20.4%.

To compare, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) put on 13% for the 2021 calendar year.

The Finder study showed the average Australian portfolio of $31,613 would have earned a tidy $5,356 last year.

Near-zero interest rates make ASX shares very attractive

According to Finder share trading expert Kylie Purcell, ASX shares were "a smart way" to invest with interest rates at historic near-zero levels.

"Australians have been quick to adapt by putting some of their money into shares, which can deliver higher returns," she said.

"The 2020 market crash was a game changer for Australians, with thousands of people a day signing up to online brokers for the first time."

Indeed, the research showed 37% of Australians now own a stock portfolio, with millennials (46%) and generation Z (42%) leading the participation.

According to Purcell, a huge lump sum isn't a prerequisite for Australians to get started with ASX shares.

"You don't need to be rich to get involved – there are also micro-investing apps that let you invest your spare change."

Traps to watch for in 2022

In a country traditionally obsessed with real estate, many Australians used to have a perception that buying ASX shares is complicated.

But new online tools have recently opened up a new world for many everyday people.

Purcell did warn of hidden charges though.

"Online platforms and apps like eToro and Superhero have made it super easy for everyone to jump in. They're intuitive to use – but watch out for brokerage and subscription fees," she said.

"Some platforms also charge an inactivity fee if you're not regularly trading, so it's worth comparing your options before getting started."

She added that while many Australians with ASX shares beat the market over the past 12 months, they need to continue exercising caution.

"It's a good idea to ensure your investment is diversified. Instead of betting all your chips on one or two companies, spread it out to reduce your risk."

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Investing Strategies

A couple makes silly chip moustache faces and take a selfie on their phone.
Dividend Investing

Worried about falling interest rates? Here are 2 ASX 200 income shares to replace a term deposit today

Dividend shares are looking better and better in 2025.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Dividend Investing

Guess which high-yielding ASX All Ords dividend stock Macquarie expects to surge 34% in a year

Looking for market-beating passive income and share price gains? Check out this ASX All Ords stock!

Read more »

Happy work colleagues give each other a fist pump.
Cheap Shares

Morgans names 2 cheap ASX 200 shares to buy

The leading broker thinks these shares are being undervalued by the market.

Read more »

Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.
Cheap Shares

2 ASX 300 shares to buy this month: experts

These stocks could be leading opportunities according to one expert.

Read more »

A senior investor wearing glasses sits at his desk and works on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop2
Cheap Shares

Is this beaten-up stock the best value buy in the ASX 200?

An expert has outlined why this stock is an attractive opportunity.

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Dividend Investing

Buy BHP, Telstra, and this ASX dividend share

Brokers are tipping these shares as buys for income investors. But why?

Read more »

The letters ETF sit in orange on top of a chart with a magnifying glass held over the top of it
Dividend Investing

Boosting passive income: With a 7.6% yield, is the YMAX ETF a good option?

Is this ETF's yield too good to be true?

Read more »

A woman standing in a blue shirt smiles as she uses her mobile phone.
Blue Chip Shares

2 ASX blue-chip shares that I think are excellent long-term buys

I think these blue-chip shares are impressive players.

Read more »