One in two urban Indians investing more post Covid: DSP MF-YouGov Survey

45% respondents raised their investments as pandemic forced a rethink on financial health, 23% slashed it due to pay cuts, fall in risk-taking capacity, uncertainty in business and job loss

Almost every one in two urban Indians raised their investments post March 2020 as the pandemic forced people to introspect their financial health, shows a survey. The other key factors which led to higher investments include the belief that equities can deliver good returns, rise in ease of investment with the emergence of online platforms and increase in earnings.

The survey by DSP Mutual Fund (MF) and YouGov shows that while 45 per cent of the respondents raised their investments, 23 per cent had to slash it due to pay cuts, fall in risk-taking capacity, uncertainty in business and job loss.

According to DSP MF, over 4,600 investors participated in the survey from across 10 cities.

The study also found that the majority of women investors were dependent on others when it came to investments. As per the survey, nearly two out of three men (65 per cent) take investment decisions largely independently, but in the case of women it's only 44 per cent. Also, 67 per cent of the women take their financial decisions in consultation with their spouse, while only 48 per cent of the surveyed men said they consult their spouse while making investment decisions.

The top investment goals for men and women, according to the study, are largely similar: to improve standard of living, save enough for retirement, and provide for a child’s education. However, more women (45 per cent) listed providing for their child’s education as one of their top goals than men (40 per cent). Also, more men expressed having enough to live debt-free (38 per cent for men & 33 per cent for women) and starting their own venture (26 per cent for men and 23 per cent for women) as top goals.