Perceptions of Women Investors in Relation to Stock Market

Abstract

Investors are the major source of providing risk capital and therefore are considered as the soul of capital market. A package of reforms consisting of measures to liberalize, regulate and develop the securities market to improve market efficiency, enhance transparency, prevent unfair trade practices and bring the Indian market up to international standards has been in implementation since the 1990s. Over the years, a number of checks have been set up to protect investors, enhance their confidence and to avoid systematic failure of the market. As the economy is developing, the mindset of people is also changing at a very fast pace. Over a period of time, there has been a change in the economic status of women. Financial planning is becoming imperative for women now. The Indian capital market also makes initiative steps to motivate women investors in stock market. This shows a gradual increase and interest of women investors to participate in trade practices and also show their success in the investment. No doubt India’s security market has transformed itself into a major global market but the task is however only partly done. The woman investor is still not aware or confident of investing opportunities in the markets. Therefore, the present study has been conducted to analyse the perceptions of women investors regarding development and operations of stock market. The study is based on primary data collected through the random sample of 500 women investors of Punjab and Chandigarh spread over five major cities. The study found that majority of respondents agreed to the perceptions formed. Results also showed that education did affect the agreement level but working status could not alter the agreement level of women investors regarding the perceptions.