Past performance does not predict future returns. You may get back less than you originally invested. Reference to specific securities is not intended as a recommendation to purchase or sell any investment.
Social media has become such a central source of news, information and debate (although a stronger word can also often be used) for so many people that it has become a bellwether indicator of investor behaviour and sentiment. In this article, we highlight the investment topics that have been trending in 2025 in the UK on social media and what this might tell financial advisers about the mindset of their clients and what is keeping them awake at night.
The investment phrases that have been most popular across the whole of 2025 have been “stock market is crashing” and “stock market crashed”. While the traditional media has spent much time towards the end of the year focusing on whether global markets are in an AI bubble, social media has been discussing this topic since the first few months of the year.
In the first half of the year, the phrase “crashing the stock market” peaked between March and May, with political actions and global uncertainties frequently cited. “Crashed the stock market” spiked in February, mainly due to debates over President Donald Trump’s trade policies, and peaked in April as the tariff-induced sell-off headed towards its nadir. The man himself and the Truth Social platform are central to this narrative, experiencing a surge of mentions in March and April; the debate often linked Trump’s actions, such as on tariffs, to global market instability and fears of recession.
This trend continued in the second half of 2025 with “stock market crash” being the dominant topic. There was a move in emotion from immediate crash panic in the first half of the year to anxious speculation in the second half; from “the market is crashing” to “will there be a crash?” in acknowledgement of the fact that a market crash had not only not materialised but conversely markets had actually risen.
Late in the year, there was a clear spike in the phrase “increase in income”. There was also a growth in the use of “income tax”, reflecting the speculation around the UK’s Budget and the announcement of the further freezing of bands. Encouragingly, “long term” experienced a rise in use towards the end of the year, challenging the dominant focus on “short term”, such as “losses trading”, earlier in 2025.
What is our view of the dominant social media topic of 2025 of a possible stock market crash? The US stock market is unusually concentrated and expensive. AI remains a compelling and genuinely exciting proposition for humanity and the global economy, and we are only just scratching the surface of what is possible. Much as we could not hope to envisage the Internet’s ubiquitousness in 2000, likewise we cannot hope to fathom what AI and quantum computing will look like for us come 2050.
As a result, it is perfectly reasonable to be positive on AI’s prospects without adhering to the perceived wisdom that the companies leading the charge today have sustainable valuations. The Magnificent 7 are priced very richly on once in a generation levels of profitability; a heady mix that, through the lens of history, we see typically does not end well for investors.
How long it takes for this to happen remains to be seen but the good news for investors is that there are plenty of enticing long-term opportunities available outside the AI zeitgeist. While markets other than the US have moved from “cheap” levels, they are not expensive and we believe are at levels that justify allocations that are greater than would be attained through a naïve market capitalisation approach.
The benefits of diversification have been evident in 2025 with many unloved and unglamourous markets leading the way, and this could continue if the marginal investor tires of US exceptionalism, AI, the Treasury or the US dollar. We also believe these offer excellent opportunities for active managers as well.
Social media may be noisy but it is also a valuable early warning system for investor sentiment. It can inform advisers about the stories their clients are reading online and help to guide them to stay focused on their long-term goals.
Read, watch and listen to more insights from Liontrust fund managers here >
KEY RISKS
Past performance does not predict future returns. You may get back less than you originally invested.
We recommend this fund is held long term (minimum period of 5 years). We recommend that you hold this fund as part of a diversified portfolio of investments.
The Funds and Model Portfolios managed by the Multi-Asset team may be exposed to the following risks:
-
Credit Risk: There is a risk that an investment will fail to make required payments and this may reduce the income paid to the fund, or its capital value;
-
Counterparty Risk: The insolvency of any institutions providing services such as safekeeping of assets or acting as counterparty to derivatives or other instruments, may expose the Fund to financial loss;
-
Liquidity Risk: If underlying funds suspend or defer the payment of redemption proceeds, the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests may also be affected;
-
Interest Rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may affect the value of the Fund and your investment. Bonds are affected by changes in interest rates and their value and the income they generate can rise or fall as a result;
-
Derivatives Risk: Some of the underlying funds may invest in derivatives, which can, in some circumstances, create wider fluctuations in their prices over time;
-
Emerging Markets: The Fund may invest in less economically developed markets (emerging markets) which can involve greater risks than well developed economies;
-
Currency Risk: The Fund invests in overseas markets and the value of the Fund may fall or rise as a result of changes in exchange rates;
-
Index Tracking Risk: The performance of any passive funds used may not exactly track that of their Indices.
The risks detailed above are reflective of the full range of Funds managed by the Multi-Asset team and not all of the risks listed are applicable to each individual Fund. For the risks associated with an individual Fund, please refer to its Key Investor Information Document (KIID)/PRIIP KID.
The issue of units/shares in Liontrust Funds may be subject to an initial charge, which will have an impact on the realisable value of the investment, particularly in the short term. Investments should always be considered as long term.
DISCLAIMER
This material is issued by Liontrust Investment Partners LLP (2 Savoy Court, London WC2R 0EZ), authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 518552) to undertake regulated investment business.
It should not be construed as advice for investment in any product or security mentioned, an offer to buy or sell units/shares of Funds mentioned, or a solicitation to purchase securities in any company or investment product. Examples of stocks are provided for general information only to demonstrate our investment philosophy. The investment being promoted is for units in a fund, not directly in the underlying assets.
This information and analysis is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without notice. Whilst care has been taken in compiling the content, no representation or warranty is given, whether express or implied, by Liontrust as to its accuracy or completeness, including for external sources (which may have been used) which have not been verified.
This is a marketing communication. Before making an investment, you should read the relevant Prospectus and the Key Investor Information Document (KIID) and/or PRIIP/KID, which provide full product details including investment charges and risks. These documents can be obtained, free of charge, from www.liontrust.com or direct from Liontrust. If you are not a professional investor please consult a regulated financial adviser regarding the suitability of such an investment for you and your personal circumstances.
Understand common financial words and terms See our glossary
