According to BetaShares, women are utilising exchange traded funds (ETFs) to build diversified and cost-effective investment strategies, which could lead to greater gender parity in the near future.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, BetaShares conducted research through its investor registry data to examine women’s investing behaviour.
In the last year, there was a 10% increase in the number of female investors, overtaking the growth of male investors.
Additionally, women made up 42% of BetaShares’ investor registry, which was up from 37% in 2021.
“As a result of this growth, it’s Betashares’ view that its investor registry will reach gender parity in the coming years,” said Alex Vynokur, BetaShares chief executive.
The most popular BetaShares ETFs held by female retail investors included:
- NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ);
- Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI);
- Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200);
- Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA); and
- Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK).
The number of men and women investing in the Global Sustainability Leaders ETF was nearly equal, noted Vynokur.
Moreover, the Betashares Australian Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: FAIR) appeared at number six on women’s top 10 list of ETFs, whereas this product did not appear in men’s top 10.
The CEO added: “More women than ever before are taking advantage of the inherent benefits of ETFs – namely transparency, diversification, and cost-effectiveness – to reach their financial dreams”.
BetaShares’ data highlighted female investors were constructing sophisticated and well-constructed portfolios through ETFs.
Despite current market volatility, they were still prioritising long-term investment strategies and were investing in ETFs which provided diversified, cost-effective exposure to Australian and international equities.
“Ethical and responsible investment strategies are also of growing interest to female investors as they seek to align their portfolio with their values while also meeting their financial goals.”
He went on, “As a result of this growth, we predict there will be parity in the number of females and males using BetaShares ETFs to progress on their financial goals in the not-too-distant future.”
