Women invest 25% more than men, with a higher corpus of over 35%: Survey

Shattering stereotypes, women investors are emerging as strong proponents of long-term investing.

A recent nationwide survey conducted by Axis Mutual Fund, “Women Investment Behaviour Report 2024” showed a rising trend towards greater financial independence among women.

Independent decision makers

The report finds that women have a strategic approach when it comes to investing– that is evident both by higher amounts invested, at up to 25% per woman investor, and a higher corpus on average than men, at 37%.

This translates to a long-term vision, with women showing 22% higher persistence in their mutual fund investments over a five-year period.

This shift is significant because historically, investment decisions were predominantly male-dominated.

The findings also indicate that nearly 72% of women investors now make independent investment decisions. It highlights the proactive approach of women investors to achieve financial autonomy and growth, underscoring their commitment to long-term investing.

Nuanced understanding of investment options

The report also revealed that investment preferences of women living in the top 30 cities of India have changed over the past few years, with more and more embracing new investment ways like mutual funds, stocks, and even startups, compared to more traditional saving instruments like gold and fixed deposits. In the other cities beyond the top 30, these are popular along with interest in mutual funds.

“This highlights a nuanced understanding of investment options among women across diverse demographics,” said the report.

Digital adoption

On digital adoption, the data is striking: in just five years, the proportion of Axis MF women investors using fintech channels has leaped from 14% to 55%. This surge highlights the pivotal role of technology in making financial services more accessible.

The pandemic further accelerated this shift. Digital tools not only simplified investing but also broadened the reach for women across regions.

This preference by women for long-term wealth building fosters financial security and stability, not just for individual households but also for the broader economy.