Gen Z’s Investing Edge: Teens Use ChatGPT to Conquer the Stock Market

Forget lemonade stands! A new generation of savvy investors is hitting the stock market, armed with AI and ambition. Gen Z is diving into the world of finance earlier than any generation before them, leveraging tools like ChatGPT to gain an edge.

According to the 2024 Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey, the average Gen Z investor starts buying stocks at age 19, compared to Millennials at 25 and Gen X at 32. What’s driving this trend?

From After-School Jobs to AI-Powered Portfolios

Meet Ryan Sorrell, a 15-year-old who’s turning his after-school job into serious investment capital. By bussing tables, he funnels his earnings into Bitcoin and MicroStrategy stock, using ChatGPT to simulate potential outcomes. “It helps me a lot to just run through scenarios,” Sorrell told The New York Post, showcasing how AI assists his investment decisions.

Sophia Castiblanco, an 18-year-old college student, began investing at 14 with earnings from her YouTube channel. Now investing $3,000 a month in companies like Tesla and Amazon, she believes market dips are buying opportunities. “I think it’s a great time to put money into the market,” says Castiblanco, who aims to fund an investment property with her returns.

Reddit, Taco Bell, and Startup Success

Perrin Myerson, 22, discovered the Reddit forum WallStreetBets at 14 and started investing with his Taco Bell paycheck. Now running a startup, Myerson boasts a 51% return on his investments, cautioning against “get-rich-quick schemes.”

Isaiah Jones, a 16-year-old high school junior, built a crypto portfolio from lawn-mowing money. For Jones, trading has become “mainstream”.

Expert Advice: Invest Wisely

While the enthusiasm is contagious, experts advise caution. Brian Belski, Chief Investment Strategist at BMO Capital Markets, recommends investing in what you understand. Avoid succumbing to hype around meme stocks or unproven crypto assets.

As Gen Z embraces the stock market with the help of AI, financial literacy becomes crucial. These young investors are reshaping the future of finance, one informed decision at a time.