DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF INVESTMENT PREFERENCES: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of key demographic factors—age, gender, income, education, and occupation—on individual investment preferences and decision making. Using quantitative primary data collected from a diverse sample of investors, the analysis reveals significant associations between demographic profiles and choices among various investment avenues, including risk tolerance, return expectations, and financial objectives. The results confirm that younger investors are inclined towards high-risk, return-oriented investments, while older individuals and those with lower income tend to prefer safer, fixed-income securities. Educational attainment is shown to increase investor awareness and diversify portfolio selection. Gender differences are observed, with male investors typically adopting higher risk strategies and females favoring stability. These findings highlight the critical role demographics play in shaping investment behavior, offering valuable implications for researchers, financial advisors, and policymakers interested in personalizing investment strategies and financial products to match diverse client profiles.