Gender Differences in the Investment Decision-Making Process

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that women are more risk averse than men, leading women to choose more conservative investments. This study used a sample of one person households from the 1995 Survey of Consumer Finances to explore gender differences in the investment decision-making process. The determinants of some investment decisions were found to differ by gender, but gender did not appear to be a critical determinant of investment choice. Women were more likely to hold risky assets if expecting an inheritance, employed and holding higher net worth; while men invested in risky assets if they were risk seekers, divorced, older, and college educated.

JEL Classification: D18, D81, G11