41% of Ultra-Wealthy Consider Themselves Aggressive Investors

In spite of the belief that very wealthy investors are most interested in preserving their wealth, 41% of those worth $25 million or more describe themselves as “aggressive” or “most aggressive” investors, according to a report from Spectrem Group, “The $25 Million Plus Investor.” Two-thirds of their assets are in stocks, alternatives, mutual funds, separately managed accounts, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital or other investable assets.

Only 6% of those worth $25 million or more consider themselves conservative, and only 9% of those worth $5 million or more consider themselves conservative.

“Even in the face of intense financial market turmoil, investors with the most to lose are willing to roll the dice with risky investments,” said George H. Walper, Jr., president of Spectrem Group. “This raises eyebrows, given that the $25 million households have about two-thirds of their wealth tied up in stocks, alternatives and other investable assets.”