In 2007, U.S household ownership of funds remains steady. An annual ICI survey of mutual fund ownership reveals that nearly 51 million U.S households, or about 44 percent, own mutual funds. The survey also finds that 88 million individual investors own mutual funds. 
Most U.S mutual fund shareholders have moderate household incomes and are in their peak earning and saving years. About three in five U.S households owning mutual funds have incomes between $25,000 and $99,999 and about two-thirds are headed by individuals between the ages of 35 and 64.
Fund ownership has grown through workplace retirement plans, largely fueled by the growing popularity of defined contribution plans. In 2007, 33 million households hold mutual funds through employer-sponsored retirement accounts, an increase from 27 million in 1998.
Most U.S mutual fund shareholders have moderate household incomes and are in their peak earning and saving years. About three in five U.S households owning mutual funds have incomes between $25,000 and $99,999 and about two-thirds are headed by individuals between the ages of 35 and 64.About twice as many U.S households own mutual funds through tax-deferred accounts employer sponsored retirement plans, IRAs and variable annuities - as own funds outside such accounts. More than 45 million U.S households funds through tax-deferred accounts and 22 million households own funds outside these accounts.
Fund ownership has grown through workplace retirement plans, largely fueled by the growing popularity of defined contribution plans. In 2007, 33 million households hold mutual funds through employer-sponsored retirement accounts, an increase from 27 million in 1998.
SOURCE : Sarah Holden, ICI Senior Director-Retirement and Investor Research & Michael Bogdan, Associate Economist, Investment Company Institute, USA
