ii Index: Q1 2026
ii customers give a masterclass in retail investing
Our customers have seen almost 47% portfolio growth over six years - despite market volatility.
Important information: As investment values can go down as well as up, you may not get back all the money you invest. Currency changes affect international investments, and this can decrease their value in sterling. If you’re unsure if an investment account is right for you, please speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Please note images displayed are for illustrative purposes only.
What is the ii Index?
interactive investor has published its latest instalment of the ii Index, providing data and insights on how the everyday retail investor is performing and positioning their portfolios in this ever-changing market. The ii Index covers all accounts across ISA, Trading Account, and SIPP.
Portfolios on the interactive investor platform once again outperformed the IA Mixed Investment 40–85% Shares sector – this time by more than 10%, as ii the average ii customer has seen their portfolio grow an impressive 46.6% since January 1 2020, compared the 36.1% from the benchmark.
The sector can be a useful comparator for private investor portfolios, given its mix of bonds, cash, and shares.
ii investors show a steady hand
“While portfolios have been subject to volatility over the last quarter, ii customers show a continued steady hand.
The investment discipline displayed by our customers is admirable, and it’s times like this – when markets are choppy – that shows us why this is so important.”
Camilla Esmund, Senior PR Manager
How different age groups are performing
Those aged 35-44 continue to be ii’s top performers, with portfolio growth of 49% - pushing them slightly ahead of all other age groups.
This is especially impressive given the range of competing financial priorities faced during this period of our lives – accumulating wealth for the future and retirement but also battling with increased every-day costs and more near-term goals.
How customers invest: the big trends
ETFs have been growing in popularity over the last few years, with the average holding has doubling in the last five years - 6% to 12% (Q1 2021 versus Q1 2026).
ETFs have been particularly popular with those aged 35-44. The allocation now stands at 23% for this cohort – growing consistently as this is up from 22% in Q4 ’25, and up further from 21% in Q3 ’25.
While equities remain to make up the bulk of portfolios at 32%, there continues to be a large gap between how the oldest and youngest invest in stocks. Those 18-24 only allocate 19%, whereas those 65+ allocate a whopping 39%.
Hear from the experts
ii’s Fund Research team share their insights on where investors might position their portfolios.
In the latest ii Index, they dive into real assets, strategic bonds, and global equity income strategies.
View previous ii Index reports
View or download previous instalments of the ii Index.
Discover more original research and reporting
ii SIPP Index
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Great British Retirement Survey
One of the largest retirement surveys of its kind, with research conducted for ii by Opinium Research.
2026 Investment Outlook
Our experts analyse the major talking points for investors and share their investment ideas for the future.
ii Top 50 Fund Index
Our ii Top 50 Fund Index ranks the most-popular funds, investment trusts and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in each quarter.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak to one of our spokespeople or if you would like bespoke content from our expert writers, please contact:
Saffron Wainwright
PR Manager
Email: saffron.wainwright@ii.co.uk