How Older Investors Are Defying Traditional Retirement Portfolio Advice

Older investors nearing retirement are increasingly bucking conventional wisdom by boosting equity allocations in their portfolios. T. Rowe Price research reveals 73% of investors aged 50+ adjusted their stock exposure between 2019-2024, compared to just 47% of those aged 20-34.

The trend contradicts standard retirement strategy that typically shifts assets toward bonds and fixed income as investors age. Market volatility appears less concerning than achieving growth targets—many are willing to stomach short-term risk for long-term retirement goals.

401(k) portfolios are becoming battlegrounds between preservation and ambition. While younger investors maintain relatively static allocations, their older counterparts demonstrate surprising risk appetite in the final stretch toward retirement.