Portfolio Shift: Women Investors Reduce FD Exposure from 45% to 20%, Hike Equity Mutual Funds to 32%

In a notable shift, Indian women investors have significantly reduced their reliance on fixed deposits (FDs), with exposure dropping from 45% to 20% over the past 5 years.  

Concurrently, their investment in equity mutual funds has increased from 10% to 32%, reflecting a more strategic approach to portfolio management. 

Changing Investment Patterns Among Women 

According to a report by Equirus Wealth, approximately 55,000 women investors have been moving away from traditional safety-first portfolios.  

This shift is evident as 75-90% of women now hold their investments through market corrections instead of exiting in panic.  

Additionally, around 55% of these investors are selectively adding capital during market dips, indicating increased confidence and a long-term investment perspective. 

Growth in Alternative Investments 

Alternative investments such as Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have also seen increased interest, with allocations rising from 3% to 7%.  

This diversification suggests a growing sophistication in investment strategies among women, moving beyond conventional options. 

Role of Technology and AI 

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a significant topic in global investment discussions, Indian women are adopting it cautiously.  

They primarily use AI as a tool for research and learning rather than for making autonomous investment decisions. Approximately 35-50% of women investors either do not use AI tools or use them selectively for insights and monitoring. 

Read More: SEBI Mutual Fund Reforms 2026: Equity Funds Allowed 35% Allocation to Gold, Silver, InvITs and Debt! 

Adoption of Allocation-Driven Portfolios 

There is a noticeable shift from product-led investing to allocation-driven portfolio frameworks. Women investors are now organising their portfolios into distinct buckets aligned with financial goals such as safety, growth, liquidity, and legacy.  

This approach focuses on the role each asset plays in a portfolio rather than short-term market movements. 

Legacy Planning and Wealth Transfer 

Intergenerational wealth transfer has become a key priority, with 75-90% of respondents actively discussing legacy planning.  

This ensures that future beneficiaries inherit not only capital but also financial discipline. Among high-net-worth individuals, succession planning and family governance structures are becoming central to wealth management strategies. 

Conclusion 

The report highlights a significant transformation in the investment behaviour of Indian women. With a shift towards equity mutual funds and alternative investments, women are adopting a more strategic and informed approach to managing their financial futures. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.