Share this article Share this article NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Record-high stock valuations—and fewer things to spend on as COVID-19 restrictions enter a second year—are enticing more US consumers to invest discretionary funds in the stock market. In Q4 2020, 20% of consumers surveyed invested in shares of stocks or mutual funds, up from 16% in Q2. By contrast, record-low interest rates have resulted in just 43% of consumers putting money into savings in Q4—down from 49% in Q2. These findings and more are detailed in The Conference Board® Global Consumer Confidence Survey, fielded online in 67 markets worldwide. Overall, the Q4 survey confirmed that pandemic-related forces—including more time at home, reduced opportunities to spend, and enhanced fiscal support from the government—continue to be the chief factors shaping consumer behavior in the United States.