BANGALORE, Feb 24: A new report reveals that 45% of Indians under the age of 35 are selecting stocks as their primary investment option, indicating a significant shift in investment preferences. The rise in stock market interest is driven by increased financial awareness, better access to investment tools, and a growing desire for long-term wealth creation. According to the ‘Investor Behaviour Index’ (IBI 2025) report by StockGro, in collaboration with research firm 1Lattice, 81% of respondents have already made stock market investments. This marks a shift from traditional savings methods to direct equity investments among young people.
Amar Choudhary, CEO at 1Lattice, highlighted that equity investments are increasingly recognized as a reliable tool for wealth creation and passive income generation. However, financial education continues to be a major challenge. The report noted that 42% of non-investors feel they lack the necessary knowledge to begin investing, while 44% of aspiring investors are seeking step-by-step guidance. It also found that 38% of respondents prefer to learn through online video courses, indicating a growing demand for accessible and structured financial education.
Ajay Lakhotia, Founder and CEO of StockGro, emphasized that young investors are leading the shift towards equities, and digital platforms that prioritize financial literacy are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The report also revealed that 68% of respondents prefer using digital platforms for investment learning and trading. Features such as real-time insights, AI-driven recommendations, and virtual trading experiences are making investing more accessible, with nearly 50% of beginners opting to practice with virtual money before making real investments.
Despite the enthusiasm for equity investments, the study also identified a gender gap in stock market participation. Only 10.1% of investors are women, although 34% of female respondents expressed plans to increase their equity exposure in the coming year. Additionally, market volatility remains a concern, with 51% of respondents fearing potential market crashes. The report also highlighted that financial literacy and digital investment tools are increasingly reaching beyond metropolitan areas.
