【First Half of 2026】52% of Individual Investors Report Profits, While Stress Levels Reach Record High

Online stock investment school 'Kabu no Gakkou.com' (operated by Treasure Promote Co., Ltd., Chiyoda City, Tokyo; President and CEO: Jo Segawa) conducted a nationwide survey of 800 individual investors titled 'Survey on Stock Investment Awareness in the First Half of 2026.'

In the first half of 2026, the Nikkei average stock price significantly surpassed its all-time high. Reflecting this bullish trend, the majority of individual investors reported that they 'made profits.' However, due to the volatile market marked by repeated sharp declines and rebounds of over 10%, one in four investors reported high stress levels (7 or above), indicating growing psychological strain.

【Main Survey Results】

Over half (52.0%) of individual investors reported 'making profits' from stock investments in the first half of 2026.

One in five investors in their 20s reported 'making significant profits'—5.4 times higher than those in their 60s.

26.1% of all respondents (one in four) reported high stress levels of 7 or above.

Only 7.1% reported 'no stress'—the lowest percentage since the survey began.

Among those who reported maximum stress (level 10), 12.5% were in their 20s—approximately 5.4 times higher than those in their 60s.

【Survey Overview】

Content: Survey on stock investment awareness in the first half of 2026

Target: Individual investors across Japan

Number of respondents: 800 (399 male, 401 female)

Date: July 1, 2026

Method: Internet survey

Conducted by: Treasure Promote Co., Ltd.

※ 'Kabu no Gakkou.com' continuously conducts surveys targeting individual investors. For detailed data and past results, please visit our website. When citing this survey in articles or reports, we kindly request a link back to 'Kabu no Gakkou.com.'

Majority of Individual Investors Achieved Profits in First Half of 2026

When asked about their investment outcomes in 2026, 8.6% of the 800 investors nationwide reported 'making significant profits,' and 43.4% reported 'making moderate profits.' Combined, 52.0%—more than half—achieved substantial gains.

In contrast, 8.8% reported 'moderate losses' and 5.8% reported 'significant losses,' totaling 14.6%. Despite the overall market rise, roughly one in six investors still incurred losses. Additionally, 33.5% reported 'no change'—neither profit nor loss.

Investors in Their 20s Are Over 5 Times More Likely Than Those in Their 60s to Report 'Significant Gains'

When analyzing results by age group, 20.5% of investors in their 20s—equivalent to one in five—reported 'making significant profits.' This figure stands out compared to other age groups and is 5.4 times higher than the 3.8% in their 60s, the lowest among all age groups. Conversely, investors in their 20s also reported the highest rate of 'significant losses' at 8.9%.

While actual gains and losses vary by investment amount, many in their 20s may feel a strong sense of achievement from exceeding their expectations. On the other hand, their limited experience may reduce their tolerance for losses, possibly explaining the polarized responses.

One in Four Reports High Stress; 'No Stress' at Record Low

The survey also asked about stress levels related to stock investing so far this year. Respondents rated their stress from '0 (no stress at all)' to '10 (extremely high stress).' The most common response was '5' at 24.8%, followed by '6' at 12.4% and '7' at 12.3%.

Those who selected '7' or higher—indicating relatively high stress—accounted for 26.1%, the highest since 2023. In contrast, only 7.1% reported '0 (no stress at all),' the lowest since the survey began in late 2022. The volatile market appears to be significantly affecting investors' mental well-being.

Investors in Their 20s Show Polarization: Highest Rates of Both Maximum and Zero Stress

When examining stress levels by age, 12.5% of those in their 20s reported the maximum stress level of '10,' compared to only 2.3% in their 60s. At the same time, the proportion reporting '0' stress was also highest among those in their 20s (10.7%). Investors in their 20s had the fewest responses at stress level '5,' indicating a clear polarization in stress levels, similar to their performance evaluations.

Differences in Market Engagement Revealed by Stress Levels

What specific stress do individual investors feel? Free-text responses revealed significant differences in how investors engage with the market, depending on whether they feel stressed or not.

※ Selected responses (original wording preserved in principle, with minor adjustments for privacy protection).

【Voices from Investors with Stress Level 7 or Higher】

'The market changed drastically due to Trump's war. Funds are concentrated in specific stocks like AI and semiconductors. While the Nikkei rises, other topics are insignificant. For individual investors with limited funds, the high risk of picking wrong stocks leads to significant stress when they miss out.' (57-year-old male / Stress level: 8)

'I repeatedly made beginner mistakes—taking small profits quickly but hesitating to cut losses, leading to major losses. All previous gains disappeared. I thought I was being cautious, but it's frustrating. Recently, I'm also worried that only tech and semiconductor stocks are rising.' (34-year-old female / Stress level: 10)

'I'm confused by stock prices rising beyond current economic conditions. While semiconductor-related stocks may have potential, Japan is being swayed by other countries' situations, increasing my anxiety.' (70-year-old female / Stress level: 7)

'The ongoing yen depreciation suggests our country is being valued as worthless compared to others. We can no longer be called an advanced nation and may join the ranks of the poorest countries. It might be better to leave the country.' (24-year-old male / Stress level: 10)

'When stock prices started rising, I never imagined they'd go this high. I hesitated, fearing a drop, and before I knew it, prices had surged, and I missed buying opportunities.' (69-year-old male / Stress level: 7)

'Recent statements by Trump greatly affect stock price movements. While I'm making some profits, they also cause daily stress.' (74-year-old male / Stress level: 10)

'The Nikkei average has exceeded 70,000 yen, but the stocks I own haven't risen at all.' (49-year-old male / Stress level: 7)

【Voices from Investors with Stress Level 0】

'I used to trade short-term or invest in small companies and suffered big losses. Now, I hold large-cap stocks with good dividends for the long term, and I rarely lose.' (58-year-old female)

'My goal has always been ESG, not 'making money.' I buy when I think prices are low and don't sell when stressed. Basically, I just hold.' (41-year-old female)

'Since I focus on long-term investing, I don't feel stressed by stock price fluctuations.' (67-year-old male)

'Companies with strong performance and high stock prices seem likely to offer stable dividends.' (54-year-old male)

'Since my investment amount is small, I leave it untouched and don't worry much.' (47-year-old male)

'Since I invest in index funds, I don't feel much stress.'