A Study on the Investment Preferences of Gen Z Towards Traditional vs. Digital Financial Instruments

Abstract

This study looks at how gender influences the way people invest, both in traditional options
and newer digital financial products. It’s based on a sample of 158 young adults, mostly aged
18 to 25, with many participants from Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar.
The research explores how people feel about conventional investments, their comfort with
digital platforms, and what motivates them—like family influence, social media, and
expected returns. Using statistical tools like chi-square tests and correlation analysis, the
study reveals noticeable gender differences. For example, men tend to be more confident with
digital investments and are more open to using virtual financial tools, even when there’s risk
involved. Women, meanwhile, show different levels of trust in traditional financial
institutions and are influenced more by factors like family support and financial literacy.
Overall, the findings highlight how investment habits are evolving and suggest the need for
gender-specific financial education and improvements in digital platforms tailored to
different user needs. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, financial service
providers, and educators to design more inclusive strategies that help both men and women
make smarter investment decisions and improve financial access.