Financial Risk Tolerance Based on Demographic Factors of Women Investors: Indian Perspective

The paper aims to examine the phenomenon of risk-taking ability in response to the demographic factors of women investors in Indian stock market and analyzes the impact of demographics of women on their risk-tolerance level. Women’ risk-taking ability is very vital aspect to recognize their most favorable investment portfolio. A well-structured questionnaire was administered personally to 400 Indian women investors. The results stated that women investors in Haryana, India, have low-risk appetite. They cannot afford to take high risk. So, women prefer risk-free investment and avoid losing their money. Women’s demographic distinctiveness plays a crucial role in identifying their risk-tolerance levels. In this regard, age, marital status, education, income, experience and occupation were found to have a major impact in determining the risk appetite of women. It is hoped that the findings will assist financial advisors, investment managers and financial consultant to understand and discover the solution to those demographic factors, which cause variations in risk-tolerance level. This study corroborates the importance of financial literacy to make women more aware and technically sound with dimensions of investment. Further, it will help in making ideal investment portfolio by accommodating the need of investors effectively. This study will contribute to the understanding investment behavior of investors. This empirical research represents how demographic variables influence risk-taking ability of women and provides precious understanding that how women investors of Haryana make their financial decision.