CHAPTER- 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This study is on investment behaviour of working women. In Past days, women were not allowed to earn an education. Their
role was only to look after their families. But now, we come across, today many women pursue education and earn money in
their own way, some do business, some do office jobs, some do labour jobs to fulfil their needs. They earn money for their
efforts and they invest their money to get extra return. They are financially independent. Every person wants to invest for a
better future out of their earnings. The term 'savings' refers to money set as an individual asset and unlike investments they
usually have a minimal exposure to risk. Savings is income not spent or deferred consumption. Methods of savings include
putting money aside in the bank for pension plans. Savings also includes reducing expenditure such as recurring costs. In
terms of personal finance savings specifies low-risk preservations of money as in deposit account versus investment where
risk is higher. The term 'investment' means as an asset or accrued with the goal of generating income or recognition. It is the
purchase of goods that are not consumed today but are used in the future to generate wealth. There is every reason that women
should play an equal role in economic decision making. Now the present women who are equally employed through their
education have knowledge about various aspects of investment and as a result they invest in various investment avenues.

1.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

SAVINGS:

Saving means the act of refraining from spending one's income on consumption; the part of the income, which is unspent, is
known as savings. From the economist's perspective, people allocate disposable income between consumption and savings
and at various levels of income, there will be corresponding levels of consumption and savings.

According to classical definition, saving is ‘income minus consumption’ and is residual in character. Savings can also be
defined as stock, where n savings stands for change in wealth over a period of time. In this sense, it is regarded as the sacrifices
in the present consumption for the future.

As an accounting concept, saving may be defined as the residual that is left from income after the consumption choices have
been made as a part of the utility maximization process. Substantially, saving future consumption, and it is an important
example of an inter temporal decision. Division of income between consumption and saving is driven by preference between
present and future consumption and utility derived from consumption.

INVESTMENT:

Investment is a wider concept; household in investment reflects the microform of it. Household investments mainly, refers to
channelizing the household savings into a return giving option. Here, decisions are very much based on risk involved and risk
bearing capacity of the investors. Every investor is exposed to one or another type of risk. There are five major risks in
investment, which may be present in varying degrees, in different sorts of investment: non-payment risk, political risk, social
risk.

MAJOR RISK INVOLVED IN INVESTMENT

1. Non-Payment risk

A leading indicator of the potential for non-payment is an abrupt change in the owner's previous payment methods, including
delayed payment or partial payment of invoices. Other non-payment risk indicators include an owner's default under the
contract, lack of communication, and adverse industry or market conditions.

2. Political risk

Political risk is the possibility that your business could suffer because of instability or political changes in a country: conflicts
and unrest, changes in regime or government, changes in international policies or relations between countries, as well as
changes that occur in a country's policies, business laws or investment regulations. Other influential factors contributing to

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political risk include any other situation which may have an influence on a country’s economy, such as commodity price
volatility, liquidity crises and sectorial downturns.

3. Social risk

This risk can be defined as the exposure to adverse consequences stemming from population-based activities and negative
public perception. In other words, social risk is a manifestation of what goes on around us and is driven by influences inside
every one of us beliefs, emotions, mental health, fears and anxieties.

Therefore, an investor, while investing money would try to satisfy the three objectives: safety, profitability and liquidity.
Investment avenues for an individual or family or household are many, generally known as ‘investment’. The preferences
shown by an investor in choosing a particular is called investment behaviour. The process of investment commences with
surplus income, which includes operations and non-operation earnings.

CHARACTERISTICS OF INVESTMENT

1. Risk Factor

Every investment contains a certain portion of risk. It is a key feature of investment which refers to loss of principal, delay in
payment of interest and capital etc. Most investors prefer to invest in less riskier securities.

2. Expectation of Return

Return expectation is the main objective of investment. Investors expect regularity of high and consistent income for their
capital.

3. Safety

Investors expect safety for their capital. They desire certainty of return and protection of their investment or principal amount

4. Liquidity

Liquidity means easily selling or converting the capital or investment into cash without any loss. So, most investors prefer
liquid investments.

5. Marketability

It is another feature of investment that they are marketable. It means buying and selling or transferability of securities in the
market.

6. Stability of Income

Investors invest their capital with high expectation of income. So, the return on their investment should be adequate and stable.

FACTORS INFLUENCING INVESTMENT

1. Safety of Capital

While there is no such thing as an absolutely safe and secure investment or one that is completely risk free. If your primary
objective is safety, you will look for investments that have a minimal risk level. But then, the safest investments tend to have
the lowest rates of return and may not even keep up with inflation. Safe investments include government issued securities,
money market instruments and securities guaranteed by banks.

2. Income

If your primary objective is income, you will have to sacrifice a degree of safety in order to increase your returns. Even the
most conservative investors like to have some level of income in their portfolios just to keep up with the rate of inflation.

E.g.: investing in stock markets earns a higher return but with higher risk.

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 3. Growth

If you are growth oriented, you would normally be less concerned with safety, and do not totally depend on income from
investment funds. These types of investments in growth instruments are more likely to fluctuate in value and might have a
greater risk of loss.

4. Tax Savings

Income generated by common shareholders is considered capital gains and is taxed differently. Taxes on capital gains are
significantly lower than taxes on interest income or ordinary income like salary. If your primary objective is tax-saving,
registered plans such as national pension schemes and tax-free savings accounts are the best bet. However, there are also
effective ways to earn good returns along with saving taxes like investing in tax saving mutual funds or life insurance policies.

ADVANTAGE OF INVESTMENT

There are many benefits of investing. If you want to create financial stability, grow your wealth, and stay on track for retirement
you need to come up with an investing plan that suits your needs.

1. Investing will help in build wealth

There are a hundred and one ways to invest and grow your money. If you’re serious about building wealth then you need to
create an investing plan that suits you and your goals. The wealthy invest, the broke do not.

2. Investing will get you to retirement (or early retirement)

In order to have enough money to retire you need to make your money work for you.

3. Investing will help on save taxes

Another huge advantage of investing is ability to save on taxes.

4. Invest to meet other financial goals

You can also consider investing to help grow your money to meet other financial goals. When you have a long-term goal of
ten or more years it may make sense to invest that money to help you reach your goal faster.

5. Advanced portfolio management

One need to pay an administration expense as a major aspect of the expense proportion, which is utilized to employ an expert
portfolio supervisor who guides you in purchasing and offering stocks, bonds, and so forth. This is generally little cost to pay
for help in the administration of an investment portfolio.

6. Dividend reinvestment

As profits and other premium wage is pronounced for the reserve, it can be utilized to purchase extra offers in the common
store, in this manner helping your investment develop.

7. Convenience and fair pricing

Shared assets are normal and simple to purchase. They ordinarily have less or low least investments and they are exchanged
just once every day at the closing net resources value (NAV). This dispenses with value change for the duration of the day and
different arbitrage openings that informal investors hone.

8. Risk reduction

A decreased portfolio hazard is accomplished through the utilization of diversification, as most shared assets will put resources
into somewhere in the range of 50 to 200 distinct securities – relying upon their core interest. A few records stock common
finances claim at least 1,000 individual stock positions.

DISADVANTAGE OF INVESTMENT
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 1. High expense ratios and sales charges

If you’re not paying attention to mutual fund expense ratios and sales charges; they can get out of hand. Be very careful when
investing in funds with expense ratios higher than 1.20%, as they will be considered on the higher cost end.

2. Tax efficiency

Like it or not, investors do not have any choice when it comes to capital gain payouts in mutual funds. Due to the turnover,
redemptions, gains and losses in security holdings throughout the year, investors typically receive distributions from the fund
that are an uncontrollable tax event.

3. Poor trade execution

If you place your mutual fund trade any time before the cut-off time for same day NAV, you’ll get the same closing price NAV
is for buy or sell on the mutual fund. For investors searching for faster execution times, maybe because of short investment
horizons, day trading, or timing the market, mutual funds provide a weak execution strategy.

4. Volatile investment

Investment in BSE is subjected to many risks since the market is volatile. The shares of a company fluctuate so many times
in just a single day. These price fluctuations are unpredictable most of the times and the investor sometimes have to face severe
loss due to such uncertainty.

5. Time consuming

Investment in NSE is not as easy as investing in a lottery as you have to complete many formalities in the process and hence
is time consuming.

WORKING WOMEN

A woman who is gainfully employed; often, specific. Such a woman as distinct from a housewife. Women help build an
inspiring work culture by bringing in healthy competition, fostering teamwork, bonding and thereby helping the company
grow to its full potential.

FACTORS INFLUENCING SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT HABITS AMONG WORKING

WOMEN

1. Income

Income is considered as the most important explanatory variable of household savings. The influence of various concepts of
income such as absolute income, permanent income, relative income, transitory income (life cycle income), on saving
behaviour has been explained variously

2. Wealth

When a household experiences an increase in wealth, it is expected to consume both the add interest income and some portion
of the increases in principle (Wilcox, 1991). If attractive rates of return encourage saving, then those with greater wealth have
stronger incentives to defer consumption. Studies submitted by Schmitt-Herbal, 1987.

3. Education

Several studies indicate that saving rates increase with education, even after considering a variety of control variables.
Solomon also found that motives for saving varied with education individuals were found to state providing for emergencies
as their primary saving goal, while those with more education cited a desire to provide for children's education and to help
them set up a household. Since educated individuals appear to have a longer time horizon, Solomon suggested that education

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may alter individual’s preferences. Although it is likely that education affects willingness to save, more research is needed to
confirm this hypothesis and to identify the mechanism through which this process occurs.

4. Employment status

Employment status is likely to have important indirect effects on saving rates. Full-time, year-round employees are more likely
to have access to institutionalized saving mechanisms (egg: employment sponsored pension plan); financial information and
education subsidies (egg: employment contribution to pension plan); and payroll deduction. Employment status may help
explain saving in low-income households (Sondra Beverly,1997).

5. Rate of interest

Exerts influences on the way in which any given level of aggregate disposable income is allocated between consumption and
saving (Norashikin Et.Al.1993). People save money and try to get a good profit in the future. This is because they prefer larger
real consumption at a later date than a smaller immediate consumption (Richard A Bilas, Et.Al.1974).

CHALLENGES FACED BY WORKING WOMEN

• Balance between work and family or home/no time to spend with family.
• Lack of affordable care for children or relatives.
• Unfair treatment at work/abuse/harassment/discrimination.
• Lack of flexible work hours/appropriate, suitable work hours.
• Lack of good-paying jobs
• Unequal pay for doing similar work as men (or work of equal value).
• Family members don’t approve of women working.
• Lack of transportation/lack of safe transportation.
• Preference to hire or promote men.
• Lack of skills, experience or education.

1.3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

INTRODUCTION

Review of literature refers to identifying already existing literature to find out what contribution has already been made so
that it can serve as a valuable base for further expanding the literature.

Meenakshi Chaturvedi and Shruti Khare, study of investment and savings preferences of individual households
(2000): suggest that there is growth in middle class families due to the increase of working women and their income. So,
women should have knowledge and information about investment options. Genuine effort should be made in this direction.
So, savings will be pooled and channelized in productive investment

DR G Sandhya Valli and M Usharani, study on investment behaviour of working women in Coimbatore city (2001):
They took a sample of 75 respondents. They studied that women investor took less risk and preferred safe investment. Role
of women is very important in the economy of the world. They concluded that women have less interest in the shares and
debentures market. So, steps should be taken to encourage it.

Mistry Kritika, study on individual investor behaviour in the stock market (2005): She conducted research on 150
individual investor behaviour in the stock market in Bharuch district. Her objective is to identify the preferred source of
information influencing investment decisions and to assess the psychology of investors in different market situations. She
found that, the majority of small investors do not consider various financial elements before investing in the stock market.
Investors do not take immediate decisions. They firstly understand the market then react.

G. Shanti, R. Murugan, study on investment preferences of salaried women employees (2006): analysed about the
investment preferences of salaried women employees having different avenues of investment as well as the factors while
selecting the investment and they analysed that salaried women consider the safety as well as high return on investment on
regular basis.

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According to Prof. Priya Vasavada, study on investment awareness among Indian working women (2008): Her research
on working women concludes that because of high level education, today’s women are getting the best job offers with high
take home pay packages. It has become the present day need for working women in India to increase their wealth. As most of
the women are low in financial literacy, it becomes hardly possible for them to manage their portfolios on their own. Also, the
risk bearing capacity of working women in India are low. This is due to lack of sound financial knowledge.

Gaur aarti, study on satisfactory level of female investors (2011): Female investors tend to display less confidence in their
investment decisions and hence have lower satisfaction levels and female investors are more cautious vis-à-vis males with
regards to prospective investment in equity shares especially if availability of funds is low.

Anusha Srinivasan, study on savings and investment pattern of women (2012): studied savings and investment patterns
of women in Bangalore. This study was conducted in the city of Bangalore. The sample size consisted of 225 women, who
regularly save and invest. The major findings of research are, the most important reason why a woman saves is because of a
precautionary motive. Saving money in a bank and in the house chitty (saving at home) are the most preferred saving avenues.
Safety of the principal is regarded as a very important criteria before investing as opposed to instruments with low initial
investment. The main motive behind their investment is to fulfil their personal and financial goals. Gold is the most preferred
investment, followed by real estate, insurance products, bank deposits, chits’ funds, mutual funds, bonds, shares etc. The
highest constraint investing is found to be lack of awareness and advice. This bursts a common myth in India is women are
not able to invest as they are not able to take decisions on their own. This study will help the financial institution in designing
exclusive instruments for women and for the government in coming up with new policies for utilizing women saving for the
betterment of the economy.

Puneet Bhushan and yajulu medury, study on investment preferences (2013): concluded that women are more concerted
and take less risk and significant gender differences occur in investment preferences for health insurance, fixed deposits and
market investment among employees.

Pestonjee D. M. and Balsara Anita H, study on “Investment Pattern and Decision Making: The Role of Working
Women" (2015): They tried to find out how far working women enjoy freedom to make investment related decisions on their
own and the pattern of investments in the male dominated investment world in India. They collected required data with the
help of a questionnaire, which included questions relating to saving, type of investment, influencing factors, expenditure and
decision makers. The questions relating to investment pattern and its decision maker with respect to working women were
studied by taking a sample of 227 respondents from three cities: 108 in Ahmedabad, 60 in Sholapur and 59 in Gulbarga. After
analysing and interpreting the data they concluded that there was no significant difference among the respondents across the
cities with respect to age, family size and type of family, marital status, level of education, occupation and annual income. No
cultural and demographic patterns were associated with decision making of working women.

1.4 RESEARCH GAP

The research gap in the study of investment behaviour of working women is that there isn’t enough information about what
influences their investment decisions. We need to more research to understand the specific challenges and motivations they
face when it comes to investing. This knowledge can help empower women financially and promote equality.

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 CHAPTER 2

2.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Primary data have been used for this study. Primary data have been collected through structured questionnaire. Samples were
collected from all sample population by using convenient sampling method. The sample size for the study was 100 working
women who are in and around the Karnataka.

2.2 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The aim of investment is to multiply the money at various rates depending upon the term of investment. Investment usually
follows savings. Highest savings usually help finance higher levels of investment. Most of the study is concentrated on
investment behaviour. As we know, most working women earn a considerable amount of money and with more savings, they
will be able to invest funds in both long term and short-term investments.

Nowadays, so many modern financial products are available for investment which provide high growth. Saving money helps
to become financially secure and act as a safety net in times of emergency. This empirical study on savings and investment
patterns of working women is to know the benefits of savings and investment according to individual priority. The study also
aims at unravelling the influence of demographic factors such as age, income and the educational background of the
respondents.

2.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Savings and investments are necessary for the development of an economy. The working women's role in the economic
development of the family as well as the growth of the nation is very important.

This study intends to put on some knowledge with a focus to know the savings and investment pattern of working women.
Factors considered while taking investment decisions and know how the investments and savings satisfies the women in the
society.

2.4OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

• To study the savings and investment patterns made by working women.

• To find out the influencing factors for investment decisions.
• To find out the various investment portfolios opted by working women.
• To know the satisfaction level of working women in their investment.

2.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is focusing on the preference of savings and investment by working women. And it will be helpful to identify the
different investment options that are available in the market and also the recent investment trend among the working women.

2.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. The study is not free from the inherent limitation of a Sample survey.
2. All the respondents may not give their exact result. So, the results are not very accurate.
3. The study is based on a limited sample size.
4. Time is considered as one of the main constraints.
5. Errors may occur due to the bias of respondents.

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2.7 DATA ANALYSIS TOOLS

This technique is used for simplifying and studying the opinion of the respondent with regard to the level of satisfaction.

Tools for presentation

▪ Graph
▪ Chart
▪ Percentage analysis

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 CHAPTER 3

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter deals with analysis of data with appropriate statistical tools. A study on investment behaviour of working women
is a descriptive study based on primary data. For the purpose of collecting primary data a structured interview schedule has
been prepared.

The data required for the study was collected by using convenience sampling. The total number of respondents is fixed at
100. The collected data is analysed with the help of sample statistical tools like percentage, tables, graphs etc. We used
percentage analysis as the statistical technique.

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 TABLE 3.1: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE

AGE PERCENTAGE

BELOW 20 9.9

20 - 30 53.5

30- 40 27.7

ABOVE 40 8.9

INTEPRETATION:

Table 3.1 shows that out of 100 respondents, 53.5% of respondents belong to the age group of 20 – 30. 27.7% of the respondents belong to the age group
of 30-40. 9.9% of the respondents belongs to the age group of below 20 and 8.9 % of the respondents belongs to the age group of above 40.

CHART 3.1 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
BELOW 20 20 - 30 30- 40 ABOVE 40

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.2: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATION

QUALIFICATION PERCENTAGE

SSLC 1.1

PRE-UNIVERSITY 5.9

BACHELOR DEGREE 56.4

POST GRADUATE 36.6

Interpretation:

Table 3.2 shows that out of 100 respondents, 56.4% of respondents are graduates, 36.6% are post graduates, 5.9% are Pre-University and 1.1%
of them are qualified in SSLC. Most of the respondents are graduates.

CHART 3.2 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATION

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
SSLC PRE UNIVERSITY BACHELOR DEGREE POST GRADUATE

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.3: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS PERCENTAGE

EMPLOYED FULL TIME 80.2

EMPLOYED PART TIME 10.9

SELF EMPLOYED 7.9

OTHER 1

Interpretation:

Table 3.3 shows that out of 100 respondents,80.2% are employed full time, 10.9% are employed part time,7.9% are self-employed, and 1% of
respondents remain for other types of work.

CHART 3.3 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
EMPLOYED FULL TIME EMPLOYED PART TIME SELF EMPLOYED OTHER

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.4: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT

NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT PERCENTAGE

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE 12.9

PRIVATE EMPLOYEE 81.2

OTHERS 5.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.4shows that out of 100 respondents, 81.2% of respondents are private employees, 12.9% of respondents are government employees and
5.9% of respondents remain for other types of work.

CHART 3.3: SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE PRIVATE EMPLOYEE OTHERS

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.5: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MARITAL STATUS

MARITAL STATUS PERCENTAGE

MARRIED 42.6

UNMARRIED 57.4

WIDOW 0

Interpretation:

Table 3.5 shows that out of 100 respondents, 57.4% of respondents are unmarried and 42.6% of respondents are married.

CHART 3.5 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MARITAL STATUS

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
MARRIED UNMARRIED WIDOW

PERCENTAGE

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 Table 3.6: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ANNUAL INCOME

ANNUAL INCOME PERCENTAGE

BELOW 2LAKH 19.8

2LAKH - 4LAKH 30.7

4LAKH - 6 LAKH 32.7

ABOVE 6 LAKH 16.8

Interpretation:

Table 3.6 shows that out of 100 respondents, 32.7% of the respondents have annual income between 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs.30.7% of the respondents
have annual income between 2 lakh-4 lakh.19.8% of the respondents have annual income below 2 lakhs and 16.8% of the respondents have
annual income above 6 lakhs.

CHART 3.6 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ANNUAL INCOME

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
BELOW 2LAKH 2LAKH - 4LAKH 4LAKH - 6 LAKH ABOVE 6 LAKH

PERCENTAGE

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 Table 3.7 CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF BUDGET ON EXPENDITURE

OPINION PERCENTAGE

YES 70.3

NO 29.7

Interpretation:

Table 3.7 shows that out of the 100 respondents, 70.3% of the respondents maintain a budget on their expenditure and 29.7% of the respondent’s
do not maintain a budget on their expenditure.

CHART 3.7 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF BUDGET ON EXPENDITURE

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
YES NO

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.8: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MONTHLY INCOME BEING SPENT

PURPOSES PERCENTAGE

HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES 62.4

HEALTH CARE 2.5

CHILDREN EDUCATION 4.4

ALL OF THE ABOVE 30.7

Interpretation:

Table 3.8 shows that out of 100 respondents, 62.4% of the respondents are utilizing their monthly income for household expenses. 4.4% of the
respondents are utilizing their monthly income for children education, 2.5% of the respondents are utilizing their monthly income for Health care
and 30.7% of the respondents are utilizing their monthly income for households, children education and health care.

CHART 3.8 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MONTHLEY INCOME BEING SPENT

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES HEALTH CARE CHILDREN EDUCATION ALL OF THE ABOVE

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.9: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SECTORS PREFERED TO INVEST

SECTORS PERCENTAGE

PUBLIC SECTORS 36.6

PRIVATE SECTORS 40.6

SEMI-GOVERNMENT SECTORS 22.8

Interpretation:

Table 3.9 shows that out of 100 respondents, 40.6% of respondents are preferred private sector to invest their money. 36.6% of respondents
preferred public sector to invest their money and 22.8% of the respondents preferred semi-government Sectors to invest their money.

CHART 3.9 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SECTORS PREFERED TO INVEST

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
PUBLIC SECTORS PRIVATE SECTORS SEMI-GOVERNMENT SECTORS

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.10: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGE OF INCOME INVEST

PERCENTAGE OF INCOME INVEST PERCENTAGE

BELOW 25% 74.3

25 - 50% 23.8

ABOVE 50% 1.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.10 shows out of 100 respondents, 74.3% of the respondents invest below 25% of their income. 23.8% of the respondents invest between
25% to 50% of their income. 1.9% of the respondents invest above 50% of their income.

CHART 3.10 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGE OF INCOME INVEST

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
BELOW 25% 25 - 50% ABOVE 50%

PERCENTAGE

19
 TABLE 3.11: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF TIME PERIOD PREFERED TO INVEST

TIME PERIOD PERCENTAGE

SHORT TERM 29.7

MEDIUM TERM 53.5

LONG TERM 16.8

Interpretation:

Table 3.11 shows that out of 100 respondents, 53.5% of the respondents prefer medium term period to invest. 29.7% of the respondents prefer
short term period to invest their savings and 16.8% of the respondents prefer a long-term period to invest their Savings.

CHART 3.11 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF TIME PERIOD TO INVEST

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM

PERCENTAGE

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 TABLE 3.12: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INVESTMENT PATTERN

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

FIXED AMOUNT ON A REGULAR BASIS 47.5

INVEST ON A REGULAR BASIS NOT A FIXED 44.6

AMOUNT
MAKE A LUMPSUM PAYMENT 7.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.12 Shows that out of 100 respondents, 47.5% of the respondents like to invest fixed amounts on a regular basis. 44.6% of the
respondents like to invest on a regular basis not a fixed amount and 7.9% of the respondents like to make a lump sum payment.

CHART 3.12 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INVESTMENT PATTERN

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
FIXED AMOUNT ON A REGULAR BASIS INVEST ON A REGULAR BASIS NOT A FIXED MAKE A LUMPSUM PAYMENT
AMOUNT

PERCENTAGE

21
 TABLE 3.13: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS CONSIDERED

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

STOCKS 17.8
BONDS 4.6
MUTUAL FUNDS 16.8
REAL ESTATE 2
GOVERNMENT BONDS 7.9
SAVING ACCOUNT 14.9
FIXED DEPOSIT 34.7
OTHER 1.3

Interpretation:

Table 3.13 shows that out of 100 respondents 34.7% of the respondents considered fixed deposit to invest, 17.8% of the respondents’ considered stocks,
16.8% of the respondents considered mutual funds, 14.9% have choose savings account, 7.9% of the respondents considered government bonds, 4.6%
of them considered bonds and 2% of the respondents considered real estate to invest.

CHART 3.13 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS CONSIDERED

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
STOCKS BONDS MUTUAL FUNDS REAL ESTATE GOVERNMENT SAVING ACCOUNT FIXED DEPOSIT OTHER
BONDS

PERCENTAGE

22
 TABLE 3.14: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MODE OF INVESTMENT

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

CHITTY FUNDS 10.9

POST OFFICE SAVINGS 30.7

GOLD 20.8

OTHERS 37.6

Interpretation:

Table 3.14 shows that out of 100 respondents, 10.9% of the respondents have investment in chitty funds. 30.7% of the respondents have investments in
post office savings. 20.8% of the respondents have investments in gold and 37.6% of the respondents have investments in other alternatives.

CHART 3.14 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MODE OF INVESTMENT

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
CHITTY FUNDS POST OFFICE SAVINGS GOLD OTHERS

PERCENTAGE

23
 TABLE 3.15: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EXPECTING RISK FROM INVESTMENT

EXPECTED RISK PERCENTAGE

VERY LOW 8

LOW 31.7

MODERATE 48.5

HIGH 9.9

VERY HIGH 1.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.15 shows that out of 100 respondents, 48.5 % of the respondents expecting moderate risk from their investment. 31.1% of the respondents
expected low level of risk from their investment.9.9% of the respondents expecting a high level of risk from their investment. 8% of the respondents
expecting very low level of risk from their investment and 1.9% of the respondents expecting very high level of risk from their investment.

CHART 3.15 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EXPECTING RISK FROM INVESTMENT

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
VERY LOW LOW MODERATE HIGH VERY HIGH

PERCENTAGE

24
 TABLE 3.16: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE PERCENTAGE

MARRIGE 5.9

CHILDREN EDUCATION 19.9

RETIREMENT 30.8

OTHER 43.4

Interpretation:

Table 3.16 shows that out of 100 respondents, 5.9% of respondent’s investment objective is marriage. 19.9% of respondents' investment objective is
children education. 30.8% of the respondents invest on a motive of retirement and 43.4% of the respondents invest for other purposes.

CHART 3.16 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
MARRIGE CHILDREN EDUCATION RETIREMENT OTHER

PERCENTAGE

25
 TABLE 3.17: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SATISFACTORY LEVEL

SATISFACTORY LEVEL PERCENTAGE

VERY SATISFIED 15.5

SATISFIED 33.6

NEUTRAL 40.5

DISSATISFIED 8.9

VERY DISSATISFIED 1.5

Interpretation:

Table 3.17 shows that out of 100 respondents, 33.6% of the respondents are satisfied with their return on Investment. 15.5% of the respondents are very
Satisfied on their return on Investment.40.5% of the respondents are neutral on their return on investment. 8.9% of the respondents are dissatisfied on
their return on Investment and 1.5% are very dissatisfied on their return on investment

CHART 3.17 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SATISFACTORY LEVEL

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
VERY SATISFIED SATISFIED NEUTRAL DISSATISFIED VERY DISSATISFIED

PERCENTAGE

26
 TABLE 3.18: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF USAGE OF INCOME EARNED FROM INVESTMENT

USAGE OF INCOME PERCENTAGE

REINVEST 20-80% OF EARNINGS FROM INVESTMENT 58.4

REINVEST TOTAL EARNINGS 9.9

HOLD 80% AND REINVEST THE BALANCE 31.7

Interpretation:

Table 3.18 shows that out of 100 respondents, 58.4% of the respondents reinvest 20-80% of earnings from their investment. 9.9% of the respondents
reinvest total earnings from their investment and 31.7% of the respondent hold 80 % of their investment and reinvest the balance amount.

CHART 3.18 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF USAGE OF INCOME EARNED FROM INVESTMENT

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
REINVEST 20-80% OF EARNINGS FROM REINVEST TOTAL EARNINGS HOLD 80% AND REINVEST THE BALANCE
INVESTMENT

PERCENTAGE

27
 TABLE 3.19: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SOURCES OF GATHERING INFORMATION

SOURCES PERCENTAGE

FINANCIAL ADVISOR 10

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES 3.5

SOCIAL MEDIA 9.9

FRIENDS / RELATIVES 21.8

TV/MEDIA 7.4

SELF RESEARCH 39.5

OTHER 7.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.19 shows that out of 100 respondents, 10%of the respondents gather information from financial advisor. 21.8% of the respondents gather
information from friends and relatives. 7.4% of the respondents gather information from TV / medias. 39.5% of the respondents gather information from
Self research. 9.9% of them gather information from social media. 3.5% from books and magazines and 7.9% from other sources.

CHART 3.19 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SOURCES OF GATHERING INFORMATION

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
FINANCIAL ADVISOR BOOKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDS / RELATIVES TV/MEDIA SELF RESEARCH OTHER
MAGAZINES

PERCENTAGE

28
 TABLE 3.20: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MANAGEMENT OF INVESTMENT

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

SELF 68.2

BROKER 2.1

BANK 20.8

OTHER 8.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.20 shows that out of 100 respondents, 68.2% of the respondents manage their investment themselves. 2.1% of the respondents manage their
investment through brokers. 20.8% of the respondents manage their investment through banks and 8.9% of the respondents manage in other ways.

CHART 3.20 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF MANAGEMENT OF INVESTMENT

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
SELF BROKER BANK OTHER

PERCENTAGE

29
TABLE 3.21: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE MAKING INVESTMENT

FACTORS PERCENTAGE

SAFTEY OF CAPITAL 52.5

RATE OF RETURN 34.7

PERIOD OF INVESTMENT 8.9

OTHER 3.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.21 shows that out of 100 respondents, 52.5% of the respondents consider the safety of capital. 34.7% of the respondents consider the rate of
return. 8.9% of respondents consider the period of Investment and 3.9% of the respondents consider other factors while making their investment.

CHART 3.21 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE MAKING
INVESTMENT

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
SAFTEY OF CAPITAL RATE OF RETURN PERIOD OF INVESTMENT OTHER

PERCENTAGE

30
TABLE 3.22: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES INCREASES SOCIAL STATUS
AND STANDARD OF LIVING

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

YES 69.4

NO 30.6

Interpretation:

Table 3.22 shows out of 100 respondents ,69.4% of the respondents believed that their employment increases their economic and social status as well
as the standard of living and 30.6% of the respondents did not believe that their employment increases their economic and social status.

CHART 3.22 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES INCREASES SOCIAL
STATUS AND STANDARD OF LIVING

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
YES NO

PERCENTAGE

31
 TABLE 3.23: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LOSING YOUR INVESTMENT AMOUNT

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

YES 19.9

NO 80.1

Interpretation:

Table 3.23 shows out of 100 respondents, 19.9% of the respondents will take the risk of losing their invested principal amount and to 80.1% of the
respondents will not take the risk of losing their invested amount.

CHART 3.23 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF LOSING YOUR INVESTMENT AMOUNT

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
YES NO

PERCENTAGE

32
 TABLE 3.24: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF BIGGEST BARRIERS FOR WOMEN WHILE INVESTING

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

LACK OF FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE 26.7

LACK OF CONFIDENCE 28.7

SOCIETIAL EXPECTATIONS 8.9

UNEQUAL PAY CARRIER OPPORTUNITIES 12.9

LIMITED ACCESS TO INVESTMENT OPTIONS 14.9

OTHER 7.9

Interpretation:

Table 3.24 shows out of 100 respondents, 26.7% of the respondents think that lack of financial knowledge is the biggest barrier to invest. 28.7% think
that lack of confidence to invest. 8.9% of them think that societal expectations are the barrier to invest. 12.9% of the respondents think that unequal pay
carrier opportunities are the biggest barrier to invest and 14.9% of the respondents think that there is a limited access to investment is the biggest barrier
to invest.

CHART 3.24 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF BIGGEST BARRIERS FOR WOMEN WHILE INVESTING

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
LACK OF FINANCIAL LACK OF CONFIDENCE SOCIETIAL EXPECTATIONS UNEQUAL PAY CARRIER LIMITED ACCESS TO OTHER
KNOWLEDGE OPPORTUNITIES INVESTMENT OPTIONS
PERCENTAGE

33
TABLE 3.25: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DIFFERENT INVESTMENT OPTIONS

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

VERY LOW 10.8

LOW 25.6

MODERATE 45.4

HIGH 10

VERY HIGH 8.2

Interpretation:

Table 3.25 shows out of 100 respondents, 10.8% of the respondents rated very low of financial knowledge. 25.6% of the respondents rated low of
financial knowledge.45.5% of them rated moderate level of financial knowledge. 10% of them rated high financial knowledge and 8.2% of the
respondents rated very high about financial knowledge.

CHART 3.25 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DIFFERENT INVESTMENT
OPTIONS

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
VERY LOW LOW MODERATE HIGH VERY HIGH

PERCENTAGE

34
 TABLE 3.26: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SUDDEN CRISIS IN ECONOMY

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

TAKE BACK MONEY YOU INVESTED 64.4

WAIT FOR A MARKET CONDITIONS TO 35.6

IMPROVE

Interpretation:

Table 3.26 shows that out of 100 respondents, 64.4% of the respondents will take back their invested money if there is a sudden crisis in the economy
and 35.6% of the respondents will wait for the improvement of market conditions.

CHART 3.26 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SUDDEN CRISIS IN ECONOMY

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
TAKE BACK MONEY YOU INVESTED WAIT FOR A MARKET CONDITIONS TO IMPROVE

PERCENTAGE

35
 TABLE 3.27: CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF CURRENTLEY RECEIVING PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL
ADVICE

OPTIONS PERCENTAGE

YES 10.9

NO 89.1

Interpretation:

Table 3.27 shows that out of 100 respondents 10.9% of the respondents are currently taking professional financial advice and 89.1% of the respondents
are not taking any professional financial advice.

CHART 3.27 SHOWING CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF CURRENTLEY RECEIVING PROFESSIONAL

FINANCIAL INCOME

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
YES NO

PERCENTAGE

36
 CHAPTER 4

FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSIOS

4.1 FINDINGS

The major findings of the study are: -

• Most of the respondents are in the age group of 20-30.

• Most of the respondents are graduates.
• Most of the respondents are employed full time.
• Majority of the respondents belong to private employees.
• Most of the respondents are unmarried.
• Majority of the respondents are earning between 4lakhs to 6lakhs as annual income.
• As per the study,70.3% of the respondents maintain a budget on their expenditure and 29.7% of the respondents did not maintain a budget on
their expenditure.
• In the basic study,62.4% of the respondents spent their monthly income to meet household expenses, 2.5% of the respondents spent their
monthly income to meet health care expenses, 4.4% of the respondents spent their monthly income for children education and 30.7% of the
respondents used their monthly income to meet overall expenses.
• Majority of the respondents prefer the private sector to invest their money.
• According to the study, most of the respondents invest below 25% of their income
• As per the study, most of the respondents prefer a medium-term period to invest their money.
• Majority of the respondents like to invest a fixed amount on a regular basis.
• Majority of the respondents considered fixed deposit, mutual funds and stocks for their investments.
• Most of the respondents have their investment in post office savings account.
• Majority of the respondents (48.5%) were expecting moderate risk.
• On the basis of study,5.9% of respondents made investment on a motive of marriage purpose, 19.9% of respondent’s investment objective is
children education,30.8% of respondents invested on a purpose for retirement plans and 43.4% of the respondents invested for other purposes.
• Majority of the respondents are satisfied with their rate of investment.
• Majority of respondents reinvest 20-80% of earnings from their investment.
• Most of the respondents gather information by self-research and by various investment avenues.
• Majority of the respondents manage their investment by themselves.
• Most of the respondents consider the safety of capital as the main factor while making investments.
• As per the study, majority of the respondents (69.4%) believe that their employment increases their economic and social status as well as the
standard of living.
• According to the study, majority of the respondents (80.1%) will not take the risk of losing their invested principal amount.
• Majority of the respondents think that there is a lack of confidence to invest
• Most of the respondents rated moderate level of financial knowledge
• In the basic study, most of the respondents (64.4%) take back money they invested if there is a sudden crisis in the economy
• In the basic study, majority of the respondents are not taking any professional financial advice.

4.2 SUGGESTIONS

• The financial institutions should change their policies by providing risk free investment opportunities for all working women.

37
 • Working institutions should provide an investment package to attract working women.
• The investors should carefully analyse the returns available in the market before making their investments.
• Now, the number of working women is highly increased hence effort should be made to attract women investors by providing right information
and knowledge about the market through awareness programs.
• The majority of the respondents prefer mostly chitty funds and post office savings. They should give more importance to the modern investment
alternatives like mutual funds, crypto currency, share markets etc… These investment schemes are risky at the same time and can earn higher
return, if investors are ready to take risk.
• The financial institutions and government should introduce new investment schemes and policies for attracting women investors for utilising
women investments for the growth of the economy.
• Govt. should reduce the formalities and procedures for attracting more investors

4.3 CONCLUSION

We selected the subject as “study of investment behaviour of the working women. The primary data collection method helps us to interact with the
working women. From our study, it was understood that the study of investment and savings habits among the working women will be a topic for
detailed study in future. From the study it was clear that the working women are good savers. The financial institutions and government will introduce
new investment schemes and policies for attracting women investors for utilising women investments for the growth of the economy. Women prefer to
invest in risk free or low risk Avenue. Lack of awareness is the major reason for women not in avenues with risk factors. Various measures should be
taken to create awareness about the various investment avenues for working women

38
 BIBILOGRAPHY

REFERENCES

Books

● Preeti Singh, investment management, security analysis and portfolio management,9th edition, Himalaya publishing company.ltd, New Delhi.

● Preeti Singh, Fundamentals of investment management, Second revised edition 2010, Himalaya publishing house, New Delhi.

● Quantitative techniques- 1, Dr. Jayan, Prakash publications, Changanacherry

Websites

● www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

● www.thecollegeinvestor.com

● www.blog.ipleaders.com

● www.brookings.edu

39
 ANNEXURE

QUESTIONNAIRE

"A STUDY ON INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR OF WORKING WOMEN”

1. Name:

2. Age:

o Below 20
o 20-30
o 30-40
o Above 40

3. Qualification:

o SSLC
o Pre-University
o Bachelor degree
o Post graduate

4. What is your current employment status?

o Employed full time

o Employed part time
o Self employed
o Other

5. Nature of employment:

o Govt.employee
o Private employee
o Others

6. Marital status:

o Married
o Unmarried

40
 o Widow

7. Annual income:

o Below 2 lakhs
o 2 lakh - 4 lakh
o 4 lakh - 6 lakh
o Above 6 lakhs

8. Do you maintain a budget on your expenditure?

o Yes
o No

9. How is your monthly income being spent?

o Household expenses
o Health care
o Children education
o All of the above

10. In which sector do you prefer to invest your money?

o Private sector
o Public sector
o Semi-government sector

11. What percentage of your income do you invest?

o Below 25%
o 25% - 50%
o Above 50%

12. What is the time period you prefer to invest?

o Short term
o Medium term
o Long term

13. How would you like to make your investment?

o Fixed amount on a regular basis

o Invest on a regular basis not a fixed amount
o Make a lump sum payment

41
14. Which of the following investment options have you considered?

o Stocks
o Bonds
o Mutual funds
o Real estate
o Government bonds
o Savings account
o Fixed deposit
o Other

15. Do you have any investment in the following?

o Chitty funds
o Post office Savings
o Gold
o Others

16. How much risk do you expect from your investment?

o Very low
o Low
o Moderate
o High
o Very high

17. What is your investment objective?

o Marriage
o Children education
o Retirement
o Others

18. Specify your satisfaction about your return on investment?

o Satisfied
o Reasonably satisfied
o Highly Satisfied
o Not satisfied

19. How do you intend to use the income earned from investment?

o Reinvest between 20% - 80% of earning from investment

o Reinvest total earnings
o Receive 80% and remaining reinvest

20. From which sources do you gather information about various investment avenues?

o Financial advisor
o Books and magazines
o Broker
42
o Social media
o TV/ media
o Friends/relatives
o Self-research
o Other

21. Which investment platforms do you use or prefer

o Traditional banks
o Online stock brokers
o Mobile apps
o Financial apps
o Mutual fund companies
o Insurance companies
o Other

22. How would you manage your investments?

o Self
o Broke
o Bank

23. What are the factors to be considering while making your investment?

o Safety of capital
o Rate of return
o Period of investment
o Others

24. Do you believe that your employment increases your economy and social status as well as the standard of living of your family?

o Yes
o No

25. Can you take the risk of losing your principal investment amount?

o Yes
o No

26. In your opinion, what are the biggest barriers for women when it comes to investing?

o Lack of financial knowledge

o Lack of confidence
o Societal expectations
o Unequal pay career opportunities
o Limited access to investment opportunities
o Other

27. How would you rate your knowledge about different investment options?

o Very low
o Low
43
o Moderate
o High
o Very high

28. Imagine there is a sudden crisis in the economy, market fall and huge losses are predicted. What would you do?

o Take back money you invested

o Wait for market conditions to improve

29. Are you currently receiving professional financial advice?

o Yes
o No

30. Any suggestions: -

44