Mumbai: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has released data to show that a greater number of women are investing in capital markets across the country. This includes data from states where such trends were not witnessed in the past.As per the NSE Market Pulse Reports of April and May 2026, female investors accounted for around 25% of its individual investor base in 2026, continuing a steady upward trend since FY23.Northeastern states like Mizoram, Assam, and Sikkim exceed 29%, surpassing the national average.Maharashtra leads all large states with 29% investors being women, up from 25.6% in FY23. It is followed by Tamil Nadu at 28.7%. Karnataka and Kerala show female investor shares above 27%.The north lags behind with Uttar Pradesh under 20% and Bihar at 16.5%. Although UP is the second-largest state by investor count, it recorded female participation of merely 19.1%.The reasons behind increasing women’s participation are manifold. Processes have become simpler, income and awareness trends are robust and markets more accessible.NSE attributes it to digitisation, including online account opening and mobile-based investing platforms. “Greater financial literacy and investor awareness efforts and broader ‘financialisation’ of household savings has led more families to allocate savings to market-linked assets.”“There is also growing comfort with exchange-traded products and easier access to information through digital channels.” The report credits rapid digitisation, fintech proliferation, financial inclusion initiatives and better access to trading platforms.The NSE report contains no specific analysis of the nature of Indian women’s involvement or the kind of financial products they are opting for. The way women perceive capital markets as well as their risk-taking ability remains an interesting point of exploration too.“While the report does not provide a gender-wise product breakup, broader investor participation trends do offer insights. The cash equity segment remains the primary entry point for retail investors. Given these trends, women investors are likely participating through equities, mutual funds and SIPs, and using these products for long-term wealth creation and financial goals,” NSE said in an email response.“While no direct comparison in investment behaviour between men and women has been undertaken in our report, globally women are known for long-term investment orientation, goal-based investing, diversified products like mutual funds and SIPs, lower trading frequency and a measured approach to risk.”
