Do the Wealthy Prefer Stocks or Cash? New 2026 Survey Reveals Taiwan’s Richest Investors’ Asset Allocation – Results Are Surprising

HSBC Group has released its 2026 HSBC Global Affluent Investor Snapshot, a comprehensive survey of nearly 10,000 affluent and high-net-worth individuals across 10 global markets. The findings reveal that 70% of Taiwan's wealthy own stocks—significantly higher than the global average of 52%—and surpassing key markets such as Hong Kong (65%), mainland China (59%), and the United States (51%). Stocks account for approximately one-third (30%) of Taiwan's wealthy investors' total asset allocation, highlighting a strong preference for equities as a core growth engine.

The report indicates that Taiwan's investors have developed a unique 'defense and growth' dual-track strategy. While stocks make up 30% of their portfolios—well above the global average of 16–17%—they also hold 23% in cash as a defensive asset, slightly above the global average of 19%. Notably, cash holdings have steadily declined from 33% in 2024 to 23% in 2026, reflecting a gradual shift toward growth-oriented assets.

When it comes to financial goals, the majority of Taiwan's wealthy prioritize retirement planning (53%), followed by wealth accumulation for security (51%) and creating additional income sources (45%). Looking ahead to the next 12 months, most affluent investors in Taiwan plan to increase allocations to gold and precious metals (+19%), fixed deposits (+18%), and diversified managed investment solutions (+15%), further reinforcing their balanced 'growth + defense' approach.

In terms of investment confidence, while Taiwan's affluent investors have seen improved optimism toward achieving short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals compared to 2025, they still rank last among the 10 surveyed markets, indicating a relatively cautious investment mindset.

Policy support has also played a key role: government initiatives promoting Taiwan as an 'Asian Asset Management Hub' and regulatory easing have driven a 16-percentage-point surge in overseas investment interest, now reaching 44%. This reflects a growing trend of 'investing globally while rooted in Taiwan.' Among overseas markets, the United States is the top choice (52%), followed by mainland China (38%), Japan (34%), and then Hong Kong.

Hu Hsing-hsien, Head of International Wealth Management and Premier Banking at HSBC (Taiwan) Commercial Bank, stated, 'After experiencing market growth and wealth accumulation, Taiwan's investors have evolved toward a risk-ready, global mindset. With policy support, their willingness to explore diversified investment products has significantly increased.'

HSBC 2026 Global Affluent Investor Snapshot – Key Taiwan Findings

Observation Indicator | Taiwan Data & Trends | Global Average & International Comparison --- | --- | --- Stock Ownership Rate | 70% (core growth engine) | Global average 52% (Taiwan outperforms Hong Kong 65%, China 59%, US 51%) Stock Asset Allocation | 30% (nearly one-third of total) | Global average 16%–17% Cash Allocation | 23% (down from 33% in 2024) | Global average 19% Overseas Investment Preference | 44% (up 16 percentage points) | Top markets: US 52%, China 38%, Japan 34% Planned Increases (Next 12 Months) | Gold & precious metals (+19%), fixed deposits (+18%), diversified managed solutions (+15%) | Demonstrates 'growth + defense' dual-axis strategy

Q&A

Q1: What is the stock ownership rate among Taiwan's wealthy in HSBC’s 2026 survey? A: 70% of Taiwan's wealthy own stocks, with equities making up nearly 30% of their total assets—both figures far exceed the global average and surpass Hong Kong, mainland China, and the U.S.

Q2: What assets do Taiwan's affluent investors plan to increase in the next 12 months? A: The top three are gold and precious metals (+19%), fixed deposits (+18%), and diversified asset management solutions (+15%).

Q3: Which overseas market is most preferred by Taiwan's wealthy? A: Overseas investment interest has risen to 44%, with the United States being the most favored (52%), followed by mainland China (38%) and Japan (34%).

Source: HSBC Global Affluent Investor Snapshot 2026