Saving Preferences and Demographic Variables of Investors: A Relationship Study

Abstract

Purpose: Transparency and ease of investments and trading is a result of the developments in the financial and capital markets had provided various investment options and these investment decisions needs to be based on expected risk and returns bearable by investors. Awareness programs by the competent authorities like Stock Exchanges Board of India (SEBI), stock exchanges and advisory institutions had also played a pivotal role in the participation and confidence of investors in the financial instruments. Today with the developments taking place on front of technology, education, awareness and socio-economic development, it’s the investor having plenty of options to choose from. This research analyzes the saving preferences and demographic profile of investors living in the National Capital Region in Delhi using various options on the Indian capital and financial markets. The gender specific result of this research survey shows that the most preferred saving option is mutual funds amongst the male participants while gold is most preferred by females. Research revealed that occupation, academic qualification, income and marital status of the respondents have a considerable association with the saving preferences.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Exploratory Study

Finding: Various options are preferred by investors based on their income; ranging from insurance, savings option and mutual funds as preferred savings options as the income increases. Similarly risk tolerance in individual males was found to be greater than in married males, followed by the unmarried women and lastly the married women.

Paper Type: Theme based paper.