State Street Study Finds Rising Risk Awareness, ETF Use Among Investors Amid Market Volatility

A new study from State Street Global Advisors reveals that investors are increasingly turning to ETFs and alternative investments to manage portfolio risk during turbulent markets. The 2025 *ETFs in Focus* report shows high-net-worth individuals and financial advisors feel more informed about risk, with 50% of advisors allocating to alternatives and 79% planning to increase such allocations. Millennials lead the shift, with 69% investing in alternatives. The accompanying *ETF Impact Report 2025–2026* forecasts $2 trillion in ETF inflows globally this year and highlights AI, blockchain, and private-public investment blurring as drivers of future growth.