They multitask; managing home, work, family and social life with efficiency that could put machines to shame. They are also amongst the most hardworking and emotionally strong people that we come across. Yet women; who handle household budgets with precision, often take a backseat, when it comes to investing. But is that narrative changing in the wake of a changing socio-economic setup? A global research from October 2023 concluded that about 60% women of the 2000 adults surveyed invested in the stock markets. In fact, women seem more resilient as compared to men when it comes to investing.

Source:Fidelity

In India too, women have been working towards building their own financial independence. A survey that was conducted in October 2023 reveals that there’s a 42% increase in the number of Indian women investors over the past year. The survey also revealed that 30.82% women prioritize retirement planning, signaling a major shift in their investment preferences. This makes sense too, considering that women tend to live longer as compared to their male counterparts and planning for their retirement is likely to give them financial independence when they need it most.

Temperamentally, women are better placed and make better investors as compared to men as they are less speculative and think for the long term. They have the inherent capabilities that are required of a good investor – Patience, humility, the ability to overlook short term volatility and a keen eye for detail, to name a few. Yet investing has largely been viewed as a man’s domain, and here’s what makes investing different for women.

While up scaling can be an intense process, the outcome of the additional effort and dedication does lead to a positive investing experience.  What is otherwise viewed as a huge stumbling block is often only a small step away. Technology has enabled us to go beyond the realms of our ability and leverage the right information. The growth of mutual funds, alternate investments and private equity have been instrumental in the growth of ‘new age’ India. It’s important to envision and see ourselves for what we want to and can do, with women taking on an equally significant role as our male counterparts. After all, everything starts with a small thought!