The US has a happiness problem. 

According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Finland just ranked as the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. ⁽¹⁾

Despite the war with Hamas, Israel came in at eighth. Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking at sixth and tenth respectively.

How did the US do?  

Not so great.  It fell to its lowest position ever – coming in at 24!

A few of the key factors in the study were:

• Trusting others.  People were asked if they think others would return their lost wallet. Countries with a higher perception of, and the physical return rates of wallets, are happier.
• Households with larger sizes (4-5 people) and strong family bonds enjoy higher and more sustainable feelings of well-being.
• Dining alone is not good for your well-being. Countries where people share meals have higher levels of social support and positive reciprocity, and they have lower levels of loneliness.
• Giving to others, in any form, increases happiness. This can be offering time or money to any charitable cause that gives you a feeling of having a purpose that is greater than your own.

Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup, writes: “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back. … If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”

Some of the most notable causes of unhappiness in the US are our political polarization, more people are eating alone, and time on our screens is likely causing depression.

I think Jon Clifton’s words are worth repeating: “… If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.” 

May you invest more in sharing meals, getting out in nature, developing relationships you can count on, volunteering, or whatever brings you joy and a deeper connection to the world around you.

It’s deceptively simple. 

Enjoy!
Barbara

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The prospectus and, if available, the summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. You can obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus from your financial representative. Read carefully before investing.