Young men are increasingly taking risks in cryptocurrency and political betting, reporting substantial gains as markets rise.

Investments by young men are significantly outperforming traditional ones.

A diverse portfolio consisting of bitcoin, gold, GameStop, and DraftKings yielded a 62% return in 2023.

Many young male investors view their speculative trades as a pathway to traditional goals, supported by the entertainment aspects of mobile trading. However, owning cryptocurrency and meme stocks is influenced by gender attitudes. Data from the Pew Research Center shows a stark disparity between young male and female investors in crypto ownership.

Political expectations

The recent surge in bitcoin prices is partly due to favorable political expectations surrounding the newly elected administration. Political betting has also grown, with a majority of participants being male and under 30.

Many young men feel compelled to pursue risky investments due to economic pressures and perceived barriers. While they report higher earnings, nearly half claim to face discrimination, contributing to feelings of alienation.

The pandemic fueled increased retail participation in investing, especially among younger demographics. Influencers on online platforms significantly impact investment decisions, often promoting risky behavior.