What the UK can learn from the U.S. about building a nation of investors

Group 1 - The UK Chancellor's call for a shift from cash to equities and a pledge to rebalance regulation could lead to significant changes in retail investment and economic growth in the UK [1] - The U.S. experience in the 1970s serves as a historical reference for the UK, highlighting the importance of building a solid foundation for lasting change in investment culture [2] - Central to the U.S. transition to mainstream investing was the focus on individual investors, creating products and experiences that promote engagement and participation [3] Group 2 - Making investing more accessible to a broader audience was pivotal in the U.S. transition, exemplified by Schwab's decision to cut brokerage fees instead of raising them after deregulation [4] - Currently, 62% of Americans own stocks directly or indirectly, with about half of the private sector workforce saving for retirement through 401(k) accounts, reflecting decades of policy and cultural support for investment [5] - The divergence in investing cultures between the U.S. and UK began during the Reagan-Thatcher era, with the U.S. benefiting from deregulation and the rise of retail brokerage, while the UK did not see similar widespread participation [6]