Real estate remains Americans’ top choice for long-term investment, according to a Gallup survey of 1,006 U.S. adults conducted in early April.
The share of respondents who favor real estate rose slightly to 37%. A notable shift in the survey is that gold moved into second place with 24% of respondents selecting it, while preference for stocks declined to 16%.
Observers point to economic uncertainty and a sustained rally in gold prices since January as likely drivers behind the metal’s rising appeal. By contrast, cryptocurrency remains a marginal pick for long-term investors, chosen by just 4% of those surveyed.
These results suggest investors are recalibrating risk and return expectations: many appear to favor tangible assets such as property and precious metals over more volatile options. Real estate’s continued lead reflects its traditional role as a hedge against inflation and a source of stable, long-term value. Gold’s resurgence underscores its historic reputation as a safe haven in times of financial stress.
At the same time, the reduced interest in stocks highlights lingering concerns about market volatility, interest rates, and economic growth. Low adoption of cryptocurrencies indicates that, despite high-profile adoption and media attention, digital assets have yet to gain wide acceptance among the general public for long-term planning.
Overall, the Gallup poll captures a snapshot of shifting investor sentiment: a modest strengthening of confidence in real estate, a pronounced move toward gold, and decreased enthusiasm for equities and crypto as preferred long-term investments.