Only 18% of americans plan to increase their stock market investments this year, survey finds

In this article * .VIX Follow your favorite stocksCREATE FREE ACCOUNT Thianchai Sitthikongsak | Moment | Getty Images The stock market's roller-coaster ride isn't inspiring

confidence in investors. Still, a small portion do plan to take advantage of recent price dips. About 18% of Americans are willing to put more money into stock market investments this year,

including retirement accounts, according to a recent survey from Bankrate. The online survey polled more than 1,500 investors April 19-22. "When markets pull back, it does represent a

good buying opportunity, particularly for the automatic savings that happen through a 401(k)," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "A volatile year like this

could in the long-run prove to be an attractive buying opportunity and you'll be glad you invested more." MORE FROM INVEST IN YOU: How to calculate your own personal inflation rate

Half of Americans say inflation may hurt financial goals How to know if an adjustable rate mortgage is right On the flip side, more than 50% of investors said they'll keep their

investment amounts the same this year. Only 18% plan on decreasing the amount of money they'll put into stocks in 2022, according to the report.          WHO PLANS TO BOOST INVESTMENTS

Younger investors, including Gen Zs and millennials, are the most likely to say they'll boost stock market investments this year, the survey found. That's a positive sign, as it

shows they're establishing and sticking to solid financial habits, according to McBride. "They have the longest time horizon until retirement," he said. "Having that

longer-term view and investing more is something that can compound and grow over an extended period of time." Baby boomers were the most likely to say that they'll decrease

investments in stocks this year, but that's likely more tied to their retirement timeframes than fear of market volatility or inflation. "It could just be a part of normal

financial planning as they near retirement or progress through retirement," said McBride. MARKET VOLATILITY Many investors are trying to tune out market noise, the survey found. So far,

56% of investors have made no changes to investments due to volatility, according to the report. Of those who have made changes, 14% bought more stocks and 16% either moved money out of

their investment accounts or decided against buying more. Similarly, 62% of investors have taken no action even amid rising inflation. This is generally a good strategy, according to Shweta

Lawande, a certified financial planner and lead advisor at Francis Financial, a New York-based firm. "We're focusing on what we can control," she said. In addition, keeping

automatic, consistent payments going to retirement or other investment accounts over time can help offset volatility like the recent choppiness. SIGN UP: Money 101 is an 8-week learning

course to financial freedom, delivered weekly to your inbox. For the Spanish version Dinero 101, click here. CHECK OUT: 74-year-old retiree is now a model: 'You don't have to fade

into the background' with Acorns+CNBC _Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in __Acorns__._