What it does
The American Association of Individual Investors publishes investment education, research and member surveys. Its public sentiment results show investors’ six-month market outlook, while the asset-allocation survey reports what they hold. Membership adds the Journal, model-portfolio material and other research access.
AAII’s two surveys answer different questions. The weekly Sentiment Survey asks whether investors expect the stock market to rise, fall or stay about the same over the next six months. The monthly Asset Allocation Survey reports stocks, stock funds, bonds, bond funds and cash as shares of respondents’ portfolios. Someone’s outlook and existing holdings need not match.
On the sentiment page, compare the recent weekly percentages with the historical averages and one-year extremes. Voting runs from Thursday through Wednesday, and results are published on Thursday. The complete historical dataset is available to members through More Historical Sentiment Data. These responses represent participating individual investors, rather than every investor or professional fund manager.
The allocation page shows the reported month, changes from the previous month and accompanying commentary. Both current survey summaries can be read without signing in. Voting requires membership and login.
For broader learning, the navigation separates the AAII Journal, investment guides, model portfolios, stock research and webinars. Basic membership and premium products have different entitlements, so choose according to the material you expect to use. The linked membership offer advertises AAII Plus for $2 for the first 30 days. That is a paid introductory period, not a permanent $2 membership; check the continuing rate and selected service in the order form.
Strengths
- Separates reported market expectations from actual portfolio allocations
- Publishes survey timing and historical comparison figures
- Combines educational material with research and model-portfolio resources
Watch out for
- Complete sentiment history and survey voting require membership
- Premium research services have separate access entitlements
Best for
- Individual investors learning to interpret survey data
- Readers seeking investment education and recurring research
Sources
- AAII sentiment survey results, timing, methodology and history access (Oct 27, 2026)
- AAII asset-allocation survey breakdown and member voting (Oct 27, 2026)
- AAII membership benefits and distinct product entitlements (Oct 27, 2026)
- AAII Plus introductory membership offer (Oct 27, 2026)