2026 Wealth Beyond Measure Report Released by Bernstein
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Evolving Wealth Perspectives: The survey of over 100 ultrahigh-net-worth families reveals that 41% view wealth as freedom and opportunity, while 33% see it as a responsibility, indicating a generational divide in wealth perception amid global economic uncertainty.
- Confidence Linked to Preparation: Nearly 93% of high-confidence families have plans to prepare the next generation for leadership, compared to only 61% of low-confidence families, highlighting a strong correlation between formal preparation and confidence, with education and sharing family history being the most common methods.
- Generational Risk Concerns: Among respondents aged 50-64, 38% cite tax strategy effectiveness as a concern, while 72%-80% of those aged 65 and older express worries about geopolitical and economic uncertainty, suggesting younger cohorts have normalized instability and rely on time as a hedge.
- High Estate Planning Activity: Following the new tax law, 20% of respondents reviewed their estate plans, with over half doing so in the past year, indicating that families with higher confidence are more proactive in estate planning, reflecting a commitment to future wealth stewardship.
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Analyst Views on AB
Wall Street analysts forecast AB stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 36.160
Low
40.00
Averages
42.00
High
46.00
Current: 36.160
Low
40.00
Averages
42.00
High
46.00
About AB
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. is a global investment management firm. It provides diversified investment management and related services to a range of clients. It offers Institutional Services to its institutional clients, which include private and public pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance companies, central banks, and governments worldwide, and affiliates, such as Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) and its subsidiaries. It offers retail services to its retail clients, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by the Company or an affiliated company, sub-advisory relationships with mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries worldwide and other investment vehicles. It offers Private Wealth Management services to its private clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, and other entities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
2026 Wealth Beyond Measure Report Released
- Evolving Wealth Perspectives: Among surveyed ultrahigh-net-worth families, 41% view wealth as freedom and opportunity, while 33% see it as a responsibility rooted in values, indicating generational differences that influence their wealth management strategies.
- Increased Confidence in Prepared Families: A striking 93% of high-confidence families report having plans for preparing the next generation for leadership, compared to only 61% of low-confidence families, highlighting a significant link between formal preparation and confidence that impacts future wealth transfer success.
- Generational Risk Concerns: Among respondents aged 50-64, 38% express concerns about the effectiveness of tax strategies, while 72%-80% of those aged 65 and older report heightened worries about geopolitical and economic uncertainties, illustrating how age influences risk perception, with younger cohorts showing lower concern for external factors.
- High Estate Planning Activity: Following the new tax law, 20% of respondents have reviewed their estate plans, with over half doing so in the past year, indicating a significant increase in families' focus on estate planning in response to policy changes.
See More
2026 Wealth Beyond Measure Report Released by Bernstein
- Evolving Wealth Perspectives: The survey of over 100 ultrahigh-net-worth families reveals that 41% view wealth as freedom and opportunity, while 33% see it as a responsibility, indicating a generational divide in wealth perception amid global economic uncertainty.
- Confidence Linked to Preparation: Nearly 93% of high-confidence families have plans to prepare the next generation for leadership, compared to only 61% of low-confidence families, highlighting a strong correlation between formal preparation and confidence, with education and sharing family history being the most common methods.
- Generational Risk Concerns: Among respondents aged 50-64, 38% cite tax strategy effectiveness as a concern, while 72%-80% of those aged 65 and older express worries about geopolitical and economic uncertainty, suggesting younger cohorts have normalized instability and rely on time as a hedge.
- High Estate Planning Activity: Following the new tax law, 20% of respondents reviewed their estate plans, with over half doing so in the past year, indicating that families with higher confidence are more proactive in estate planning, reflecting a commitment to future wealth stewardship.
See More
U.S. Assets Under Management Rise 3.27% in May
- AUM Growth: According to monthly data from ten major U.S. asset managers, assets under management (AUM) grew 3.27% month-over-month to $8,254.9 billion in May, with a year-over-year increase of 17.64%, indicating a market recovery and enhanced investor confidence.
- WisdomTree's Strong Performance: New York-based WisdomTree saw a significant increase in AUM in May, driven by robust performance in international strategies, commodity and currency strategies, international developed market equity products, fixed income, and cryptocurrency and alternative strategies, achieving a record high.
- Invesco Benefits from Market Returns: Invesco's AUM also rose due to favorable market returns, with the S&P 500 Index increasing by 5.15% in May and the long-term 10-year U.S. Treasury yield up by 1.82%, further boosting asset management growth.
- T. Rowe Price Net Inflows Rise: T. Rowe Price's AUM climbed to $1.89 trillion in May, with net inflows reaching $3.3 billion, reflecting sustained demand for its products and a recovery in market confidence.
See More
AllianceBernstein Reports $899 Billion in AUM as of May 2026
- AUM Growth: As of May 2026, AllianceBernstein's assets under management (AUM) reached $899 billion, reflecting a 2% increase from $882 billion at the end of April, primarily driven by market appreciation despite facing net outflows.
- Outflow Analysis: The outflows in May were concentrated in the retail sector, while institutional investors experienced modest inflows, and private wealth flows remained relatively flat, indicating varying dynamics across different client segments.
- Asset Class Performance: Among the managed assets, total equity reached $360 billion, fixed income totaled $513 billion, and alternatives/multi-asset solutions accounted for $209 billion, showcasing the firm's ongoing commitment to diversified investment strategies.
- Outlook Caution: AllianceBernstein cautions investors about the risks associated with forward-looking statements, including factors such as market performance, economic conditions, and regulatory changes, all of which could significantly impact future financial health and operational results.
See More
AllianceBernstein Backs Renk Amid European Defense Stock Retreat
- Market Opportunity Emerges: Marcus Morris-Eyton from AllianceBernstein notes that the recent retreat in European defense stocks has created attractive entry points for long-term military spending themes, despite the sector's strong performance in 2025, with the Stoxx Europe Total Market Aerospace and Defense Index closing up 56.5%.
- Germany's Defense Spending Commitment: Germany has pledged to increase military spending to at least 1% of GDP, although budget delays and procurement bureaucracy have hindered defense contract progress, causing certain German defense stocks to drop from P/E multiples in the mid-to-high 30s to the low 20s, revealing attractive individual trading opportunities.
- Renk's Market Leadership: Morris-Eyton highlights Renk as a global market leader in tank transmissions, focusing on manufacturing engines, gearboxes, and other specialist parts for tanks, naval vessels, and combat vehicles, aligning with AllianceBernstein's preference for longer-cycle defense investments.
- Profit Growth Potential: Renk's business model is aftermarket-centric, providing a lucrative growth profile over the next 10 to 20 years after selling tank transmissions, showcasing stronger long-term visibility compared to one-off weapons and ammunition sales.
See More
AllianceBernstein, Brookfield, Carlyle Collaborate on Private Market Investments
- Private Market Investment Collaboration: AllianceBernstein, Brookfield, and Carlyle have teamed up to offer private market investment options aimed at providing retirement savers with broader asset class diversification, particularly within defined contribution plans like 401(k)s, addressing the growing market demand.
- Dynamic Asset Allocation: The new option will be implemented alongside existing target-date funds or managed-account solutions, with ABC [ONE] dynamically adjusting private asset allocations across private credit, private real assets, and private equity based on participants' ages, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in investment portfolios.
- Technology Platform Support: ABC [ONE] will leverage AllianceBernstein's proprietary DC technology platform to deliver highly customized default solutions and operationalize them with key business partners such as recordkeepers, enhancing client experience and investment efficiency.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the announcement of the new investment option, AllianceBernstein's stock rose by 1.4%, Brookfield's stock increased by 1.1%, while Carlyle's stock remained unchanged, indicating sustained market interest and confidence in private market investments.
See More
2026 Wealth Beyond Measure Report Released
- Evolving Wealth Perspectives: Among surveyed ultrahigh-net-worth families, 41% view wealth as freedom and opportunity, while 33% see it as a responsibility rooted in values, indicating generational differences that influence their wealth management strategies.
- Increased Confidence in Prepared Families: A striking 93% of high-confidence families report having plans for preparing the next generation for leadership, compared to only 61% of low-confidence families, highlighting a significant link between formal preparation and confidence that impacts future wealth transfer success.
- Generational Risk Concerns: Among respondents aged 50-64, 38% express concerns about the effectiveness of tax strategies, while 72%-80% of those aged 65 and older report heightened worries about geopolitical and economic uncertainties, illustrating how age influences risk perception, with younger cohorts showing lower concern for external factors.
- High Estate Planning Activity: Following the new tax law, 20% of respondents have reviewed their estate plans, with over half doing so in the past year, indicating a significant increase in families' focus on estate planning in response to policy changes.
See More
2026 Wealth Beyond Measure Report Released by Bernstein
- Evolving Wealth Perspectives: The survey of over 100 ultrahigh-net-worth families reveals that 41% view wealth as freedom and opportunity, while 33% see it as a responsibility, indicating a generational divide in wealth perception amid global economic uncertainty.
- Confidence Linked to Preparation: Nearly 93% of high-confidence families have plans to prepare the next generation for leadership, compared to only 61% of low-confidence families, highlighting a strong correlation between formal preparation and confidence, with education and sharing family history being the most common methods.
- Generational Risk Concerns: Among respondents aged 50-64, 38% cite tax strategy effectiveness as a concern, while 72%-80% of those aged 65 and older express worries about geopolitical and economic uncertainty, suggesting younger cohorts have normalized instability and rely on time as a hedge.
- High Estate Planning Activity: Following the new tax law, 20% of respondents reviewed their estate plans, with over half doing so in the past year, indicating that families with higher confidence are more proactive in estate planning, reflecting a commitment to future wealth stewardship.
See More
U.S. Assets Under Management Rise 3.27% in May
- AUM Growth: According to monthly data from ten major U.S. asset managers, assets under management (AUM) grew 3.27% month-over-month to $8,254.9 billion in May, with a year-over-year increase of 17.64%, indicating a market recovery and enhanced investor confidence.
- WisdomTree's Strong Performance: New York-based WisdomTree saw a significant increase in AUM in May, driven by robust performance in international strategies, commodity and currency strategies, international developed market equity products, fixed income, and cryptocurrency and alternative strategies, achieving a record high.
- Invesco Benefits from Market Returns: Invesco's AUM also rose due to favorable market returns, with the S&P 500 Index increasing by 5.15% in May and the long-term 10-year U.S. Treasury yield up by 1.82%, further boosting asset management growth.
- T. Rowe Price Net Inflows Rise: T. Rowe Price's AUM climbed to $1.89 trillion in May, with net inflows reaching $3.3 billion, reflecting sustained demand for its products and a recovery in market confidence.
See More
AllianceBernstein Reports $899 Billion in AUM as of May 2026
- AUM Growth: As of May 2026, AllianceBernstein's assets under management (AUM) reached $899 billion, reflecting a 2% increase from $882 billion at the end of April, primarily driven by market appreciation despite facing net outflows.
- Outflow Analysis: The outflows in May were concentrated in the retail sector, while institutional investors experienced modest inflows, and private wealth flows remained relatively flat, indicating varying dynamics across different client segments.
- Asset Class Performance: Among the managed assets, total equity reached $360 billion, fixed income totaled $513 billion, and alternatives/multi-asset solutions accounted for $209 billion, showcasing the firm's ongoing commitment to diversified investment strategies.
- Outlook Caution: AllianceBernstein cautions investors about the risks associated with forward-looking statements, including factors such as market performance, economic conditions, and regulatory changes, all of which could significantly impact future financial health and operational results.
See More
AllianceBernstein Backs Renk Amid European Defense Stock Retreat
- Market Opportunity Emerges: Marcus Morris-Eyton from AllianceBernstein notes that the recent retreat in European defense stocks has created attractive entry points for long-term military spending themes, despite the sector's strong performance in 2025, with the Stoxx Europe Total Market Aerospace and Defense Index closing up 56.5%.
- Germany's Defense Spending Commitment: Germany has pledged to increase military spending to at least 1% of GDP, although budget delays and procurement bureaucracy have hindered defense contract progress, causing certain German defense stocks to drop from P/E multiples in the mid-to-high 30s to the low 20s, revealing attractive individual trading opportunities.
- Renk's Market Leadership: Morris-Eyton highlights Renk as a global market leader in tank transmissions, focusing on manufacturing engines, gearboxes, and other specialist parts for tanks, naval vessels, and combat vehicles, aligning with AllianceBernstein's preference for longer-cycle defense investments.
- Profit Growth Potential: Renk's business model is aftermarket-centric, providing a lucrative growth profile over the next 10 to 20 years after selling tank transmissions, showcasing stronger long-term visibility compared to one-off weapons and ammunition sales.
See More
AllianceBernstein, Brookfield, Carlyle Collaborate on Private Market Investments
- Private Market Investment Collaboration: AllianceBernstein, Brookfield, and Carlyle have teamed up to offer private market investment options aimed at providing retirement savers with broader asset class diversification, particularly within defined contribution plans like 401(k)s, addressing the growing market demand.
- Dynamic Asset Allocation: The new option will be implemented alongside existing target-date funds or managed-account solutions, with ABC [ONE] dynamically adjusting private asset allocations across private credit, private real assets, and private equity based on participants' ages, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in investment portfolios.
- Technology Platform Support: ABC [ONE] will leverage AllianceBernstein's proprietary DC technology platform to deliver highly customized default solutions and operationalize them with key business partners such as recordkeepers, enhancing client experience and investment efficiency.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the announcement of the new investment option, AllianceBernstein's stock rose by 1.4%, Brookfield's stock increased by 1.1%, while Carlyle's stock remained unchanged, indicating sustained market interest and confidence in private market investments.
See More
