Led by forex searches
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ranked sixth globally in investment-related online search activity, according to a recent analysis tracking internet search behaviour across different asset classes.
The report, compiled by financial platform BrokerChooser, highlights a significant rise in public interest in investing, particularly among younger generations, amid rising economic uncertainty worldwide.
Based on average monthly searches per one million residents, the UAE registered 13,904 searches related to investment topics. The majority were interested in foreign exchange (forex) trading, which accounted for 6,161 monthly searches — the second-highest among all countries surveyed. Interest in cryptocurrency followed with 3,552 searches, while general investing queries, stocks, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) accounted for 2,142, 1,564, and 485 searches, respectively.
Australia ranked first overall with 29,359 investment-related searches per one million people. Stock-related terms were the most popular, with 17,654 searches, followed by interest in cryptocurrency and forex.
Singapore came second with 22,527 total searches, showing particularly high interest in crypto, followed by forex and general investing advice.
Kenya placed third, driven almost entirely by its overwhelming focus on forex trading, which accounted for 16,757 of its 17,288 searches.
The analysis comes amid a global shift in investor demographics and behaviour. Data shows that individuals under 40 are increasingly turning to investment as a long-term wealth-building strategy. Over the past decade, the proportion of people in this age group making regular monthly investments has more than tripled, surpassing older generations.
In the UAE, this trend reflects growing interest in financial self-education and digital asset platforms, particularly among tech-savvy young residents. Analysts note that the region’s focus on financial innovation, supported by government-backed initiatives to promote fintech and financial literacy, may be contributing to increased online engagement in investment topics.
New Zealand and Canada rounded out the top five, with 16,061 and 14,566 monthly searches, respectively. In New Zealand, cryptocurrency was the most searched category, while Canadians showed the most interest in stocks and crypto. The United Kingdom followed the UAE in seventh place, with 12,655 searches per million residents.
The United States, despite having the world’s largest capital markets, ranked ninth with just over 10,000 searches. Malaysia placed tenth, primarily driven by a strong interest in forex.
Kenya’s position in third place was notable for its singular focus on forex. With over 16,700 forex-related monthly searches, the East African country showed a stronger concentration in this segment than any other market. That figure is nearly triple the UAE’s forex volume and significantly higher than South Africa’s 2,749.
According to industry experts, the global rise in retail investing interest is being driven by the accessibility of online trading platforms, social media discussions on finance, and economic pressures that encourage individuals to seek alternative sources of income and long-term financial planning tools.
BrokerChooser’s Adam Nasli commented on the data, noting that a key challenge remains the initial hesitation many face before entering the market. “A lot of people hesitate to make their first move into investing, often held back by fear of making the wrong decision,” he said.
He added that with proper education and an understanding of basic concepts, such as risk management and diversification, investing can become a reliable tool for financial growth.
The findings come at a time when financial markets worldwide continue to navigate a complex mix of inflationary pressures, interest rate fluctuations, and geopolitical risks. In the Middle East, where economic diversification is a key policy objective, increased public interest in financial literacy and personal investing may foster broader economic participation in capital markets.
In the UAE, specifically, the emphasis on fintech growth has created an ecosystem that provides residents with greater access to investment tools and platforms. Regulatory reforms have supported new entrants in the financial sector, while national strategies have prioritised financial inclusion and digital banking innovation.
Analysts say the country’s strong interest in forex may also reflect its role as a global business hub, with a population that includes a large number of expatriates familiar with currency exchange and international money flows.
While cryptocurrencies remain a popular search category in many countries, they rank below forex in the UAE. This may reflect cautious investor behaviour amid a still-developing regulatory framework for digital assets in the Gulf region.
Authorities in the UAE have taken steps to provide more explicit rules for virtual asset trading and licensing, which could influence public confidence and participation in the sector moving forward.
Globally, the growing interest in investing suggests a shift in how individuals approach personal finance. As traditional savings methods face increasing pressure from inflation and low interest rates, investment is becoming a more prominent part of everyday financial planning.
Experts view the rise in online search activity as an early indicator of broader engagement in financial markets. For countries like the UAE, where policy continues to support innovation and access in financial services, the trend may signal future growth in domestic and regional retail investment activity.
Image: Australia ranked first overall with 29,359 investment-related searches per one million people according to the BrokerChooser study. Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich
