2022 Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey

This survey aims to identify similarities and differences between middle-class Black and white Americans with regard to savings and investing. It examines the factors that may impact how Black and white Americans think about financial matters; assesses the expectations and setiment that Black and white Americans face in their financial future; and determines any shifts in attitudes or behaviors that have occurred over time.

Key findings

  • lnvestor participation is at historic lows for both Black and white Americans.
  • Risky investments are growing in popularity, especially among younger Black investors.
  • Investors are jumping into the market without all the facts.
An older black couple walking and smiling

About the survey

For 24 years, Ariel Investments and Charles Schwab have studied the investing and saving attitudes and behaviors of Black and white Americans. The online survey was conducted in January 2022 by Helical Research among 2,057 Americans age 18 and older with $50,000 or more household income in 2021. The average household income of Black and white survey participants is $99,000 and $106,000, respectively. The margin of error for the total survey sample is 3 percentage points. 

Email for more information: Schwab Public Relations

Discover related stories

Investing and gambling can both be fun. But they are not the same.

Recent trends are making it harder to distinguish between investing and gambling, but it’s vital to understand the differences.

October 28, 2025

Treat culture: Self-care spending or self-sabotage?

Young spenders are indulging in treat culture, and it may lead to financial consequences sooner than expected.

October 21, 2025

The real relationship between headlines and bottom lines

Experts unpack how the news can impact your approach to managing your finances—and how to make thoughtful decisions through the noise. 

August 28, 2025

0422-2UHK