Citi Wealth Report Finds Family Offices Shifting to Public Equities as Wealthy Investors Seek Stability

Sophisticated investors managing family office portfolios are shifting their focus toward public equities while adopting more deliberate strategies to navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, according to Citi Wealth's 2026 Global Family Office Report.

The report, released in September 2026, found that family offices, which manage the wealth of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, are moving away from some of the alternative investments that dominated portfolios in recent years. Instead, they are increasing allocations to publicly traded stocks, which offer greater liquidity and transparency.

Citi Wealth analysts said the shift reflects a more cautious approach to wealth management as investors weigh the impact of rising interest costs, a national debt that has surpassed $40 trillion, and uncertainty about the direction of monetary policy.

Separately, NerdWallet's Financial Resilience Index found that more than one in four Americans do not feel in control of their daily finances. The survey was conducted just before a Federal Reserve interest rate adjustment and reflects ongoing stress among middle-income households.

The contrast between the two reports highlights a widening gap in financial confidence between wealthy investors and everyday Americans. While family offices are repositioning for long-term stability, many households are struggling with the day-to-day management of budgets, debt, and savings.

Financial advisors said the family office trend toward public equities could signal broader market confidence in the near term, but cautioned that the underlying economic pressures facing most Americans remain significant. Rising interest costs on consumer credit, mortgages, and auto loans continue to squeeze household budgets.