Czech Investment Landscape Shifts: From Savers to Investors

A growing number of Czechs are embracing investment as a standard financial practice, moving away from traditional saving. Recent data indicates a significant increase in participation in financial markets, driven by factors like readily available mobile apps, the introduction of the Long-Term Investment Product (DIP), and a broader societal shift in financial attitudes.

Rising Investment Rates

In 2024, 66 percent of the Czech population had their money valued, a figure that has risen to 82 percent in 2026. Parallel to this, the percentage of Czechs investing in shares, bonds, or mutual funds has increased from 41 percent two years ago to 55 percent currently. These figures are based on a survey conducted by Ipsos in cooperation with Česká spořitelna within the Prosperity and Financial Health Index.

Beyond Inflation: A Structural Change

Economist Dominik Stroukal suggests that the surge in investment interest is no longer solely a reaction to past inflationary pressures, but rather a sign of a deeper structural transformation within Czech society. He notes that even as high inflation initially served as a catalyst, the accessibility of investment apps and the introduction of the DIP have solidified this trend, establishing investing as a legitimate and tax-efficient component of long-term financial planning.

Banks Adapt to Democratized Investing

Banks have played a crucial role in this shift, rapidly adapting to digitization and offering simplified, low-cost investment options through their mobile applications. Stroukal observes that the Czech Republic is transitioning “from a nation of savers to a society that no longer considers active property management a gamble, but a necessary part of financial hygiene.”

Investment Performance in 2025

Eight out of ten investors were profitable in 2025, with four out of ten achieving returns exceeding the rate of inflation.

Popular Investment Instruments

Investment funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), including pension funds, remain the most popular investment vehicles, utilized by nearly 59 percent of investors, particularly those under 30. Direct purchases of shares account for 23 percent of investment activity, followed by real estate and precious metals, each representing around 18 percent of the market.

Investment Portfolio Sizes

Two-thirds of Czech investors hold portfolios valued at up to CZK 500,000. A smaller segment, 4 percent of investors, have assets exceeding CZK 3 million, typically individuals aged between 40 and 49.

Cryptocurrencies Gain Acceptance

The perception of cryptocurrencies has evolved significantly in recent years. Stroukal notes a transformation “from wild speculation to a recognized asset class,” with a growing number of investors viewing crypto as “digital gold” for portfolio diversification. The implementation of the European MiCA regulation in 2025 and clarified tax regulations in the Czech Republic have contributed to this increased acceptance, bringing cryptocurrencies out of a regulatory gray area.

Changing Attitudes Towards Investing

A third of Czechs now view investing as a necessity for maintaining or improving their standard of living, while only 4 percent consider it unimportant.

Barriers to Investment

The primary obstacle preventing more Czechs from investing is fear of losing money. Young people, in particular, often cite a lack of knowledge about how to begin. Approximately half of non-investors indicate they would start investing if they had more funds, while 46 percent would be encouraged by assurances against potential losses, and 20 percent would benefit from guidance on how to get started.

Continued Reliance on Savings Accounts

Despite the growing interest in investment, savings accounts remain a popular choice, utilized by 75 percent of Czechs due to their accessibility and low risk. However, savings accounts typically offer significantly lower returns than active investments.

Digital vs. Traditional Investment Channels

Digital investment platforms, such as the investment section within the Česká spořitelna’s George application, are attracting a younger demographic, with an average age of 35. Investors who utilize traditional branch services are, on average, 59 years old. Česká spořitelna has seen a 12 percent increase in investors year-over-year, reaching over 750,000, with more than two million clients utilizing their investment section.