More than half of adults encourage their children to take an active interest in financial instruments, while a notable portion of schoolchildren in Russia express curiosity about the stock market. A recent study conducted by PSB Management Company in collaboration with the Position research center, a copy of which is available to the editors of socialbites.ca, highlights these attitudes and knowledge gaps among young people and families.
The survey reveals that a sizable share of young people, 63 percent, either show no interest in investing or lack familiarity with the topic altogether. In contrast, 37 percent of Russian schoolchildren possess at least a basic understanding of the stock market and investments. When asked about what they know best, respondents most often cited gold investments (13 percent), followed by stocks (12 percent) and bonds (9 percent) as areas of familiarity. These figures point to a strong curiosity about financial instruments even when comprehensive literacy remains uneven across the youth population. (citation: PSB Management Company and Position study)
Family involvement emerges as a key factor in shaping attitudes toward investing. More than one-third of respondents report that their children actively participate in trading activities alongside their parents, and 14 percent regularly engage their children in discussions about investment decisions. This collaborative approach suggests that hands-on, parent-guided experiences could play a pivotal role in building practical financial literacy over time. (citation: PSB Management Company and Position study)
Vladimir Serdyukov, General Director of PSB Management Company, notes that supervised investing within the family setting can help young people avoid financial missteps as they gain autonomy over money later in life. He emphasizes that early exposure to money management, under parental oversight, can foster sound financial thinking and prudent decision-making as earnings grow and financial responsibilities increase. The aim is to cultivate a confident, informed mindset about saving, budgeting, and investing. (citation: PSB Management Company and Position study)
Respondents see potential benefits in introducing stock market concepts to youths while maintaining appropriate supervision. Many agree that introducing investing concepts to adolescents at an age when parental guidance remains accessible could build lasting financial literacy. The key condition cited by nearly half of the participants is that such activities occur under clear parental supervision and control, with a particular emphasis on ages 15 to 17. Conversely, 47 percent of respondents feel that exposure to stock trading should be postponed until adulthood, underscoring a cautious approach among a portion of the population. (citation: PSB Management Company and Position study)
In the broader market context, Moscow’s financial landscape has recently reflected growing private investor participation. At the start of September, the Moscow Stock Exchange reported that the number of private investors in Russia surpassed 26 million, signaling increased engagement with financial markets across the country. This growth mirrors the rising interest among families to integrate financial education into daily life and to explore practical avenues for investing. (citation: PSB Management Company and Position study)
Overall, the findings highlight a shift toward greater financial awareness among younger generations, balanced by concerns about overreach and the need for responsible oversight. The data underscore the importance of balancing early exposure to investing with safeguards that prevent impulsive decisions and a misallocation of money. For parents and educators, the takeaway is clear: fostering financial literacy through guided experience can yield long-term benefits, while maintaining a prudent, well-supported approach to risk and decision-making. (citation: PSB Management Company and Position study)