More Indian women taking charge of investments, but planning gap persists: DSP study

A growing number of Indian women are taking charge of their investment decisions, indicating a structural shift in the country’s financial landscape even as a gap persists between investor confidence and disciplined financial planning, according to a new study by DSP Mutual Fund.

The DSP Winvestor Pulse 2025–26, conducted in partnership with YouGov, surveyed 5,050 urban investors across 13 cities and found that 56% of women now take investment decisions independently, up from 44% in 2022.

While men continue to lead at 68%, the pace of change among women marks the most major shift recorded in the latest edition of the triennial survey.

How are women reshaping India’s investing landscape?

The report suggests that women are increasingly combining financial independence with informed decision-making.

Nearly one in four women (24%) now say they take investment decisions independently while consulting a professional advisor, compared with 17% in 2022.

At the same time, the proportion of women identifying as self-taught investors has increased from 13% to 16%, hinting at rising financial awareness and confidence.

Encouragement from spouses has also emerged as a key factor enabling women to participate more actively in investing.

Why does a planning gap persist despite rising confidence?

Despite the rise in confidence, the study highlights a significant behavioural gap in financial planning.

While 84% of investors say they feel confident making their own investment decisions, only 33% report having both a clear financial goal and a structured investment plan.

The findings also show confusion around investment horizons. Nearly half of investors define “long-term investing” as three years or less, while only 28% associate long-term investing with five years or more.

The results suggest that access to financial markets and information has improved, but disciplined planning and clarity on long-term goals remain limited.

Are financial aspirations shifting among younger investors?

The study indicates that lifestyle aspirations are evolving alongside financial behaviour.

While improving standard of living and saving for retirement remain key financial goals, 41% of women—particularly those aged 25 to 44—now prioritise travel over buying a home.

Mentions of buying a home as a top aspiration have declined from 36% in 2022 to 28% in 2025, while spending on holidays has increased across genders.

The emotional meaning of money is also shifting, with the association of money with “freedom” rising from 27% in 2022 to 35% in 2025.

Do investors trust financial advisors?

Among investors who use professional advisors, satisfaction levels remain high.

About 94% of advisor users report being satisfied with their financial advisors, although most investors still do not use professional advisory services.

Among non-users, 39% cite discomfort in sharing financial information, 35% believe alternative information sources are sufficient, and 32% say they find it difficult to take external advice.

Are investors becoming more resilient to market volatility?

The report also points to growing resilience among investors.

More than 62% of mutual fund investors say they would continue investing even if markets decline, suggesting improving maturity in investment behaviour.

Women show relatively higher participation in debt mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), while men are more likely to increase investments during market downturns.

According to DSP Mutual Fund, the findings indicate an investor base that is becoming more confident, digitally engaged and aspirational, with women playing an increasingly prominent role.