A new study has found that approximately one-third of Americans are planning to invest in high-risk, speculative assets as part of their financial planning strategy this year.

The Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study, released Wednesday, revealed that 39 percent of Americans said they are currently investing or will consider investing in cryptocurrency and other speculative assets. The findings suggest a significant portion of the population is turning to alternative investment vehicles despite their volatile nature.

The trend comes as traditional investment approaches face scrutiny amid ongoing market uncertainty. Financial advisors have expressed growing concern about retail investors' appetite for high-risk assets, particularly given the potential for substantial losses.

Meanwhile, wealth management firms are adjusting their strategies in response to market conditions. Investment banks are reportedly prioritizing downside protection for high-net-worth clients, focusing on safety plays rather than aggressive growth strategies. This defensive positioning reflects broader concerns about market volatility and its potential impact on investment portfolios.

The study's findings highlight a disconnect between institutional investment strategies, which are becoming more conservative, and individual investor behavior, which appears to be moving toward riskier assets. Financial experts note that market volatility poses particular risks for new retirees and other vulnerable investor groups who may not have sufficient time to recover from potential losses.