We represent almost 52% of the population, but in the investment world the scenario is quite different. On Women's Day, they represented 23% of the total investors. Scholarship São Paulo Securities Market at the end of 2019. There are 388,000 female investors, double the number at the end of 2018, but still far from achieving gender equality.
Differences are also observed in investment amounts. Women invest approximately R$1,400 less than men per month, according to data from the Guiabolso app.
But there's a positive side: women tend to be more cautious and prepare before investing, and this translates into results. According to a survey by the Toro brokerage, women typically earn an average of 1% more profit than men per year from investing.
And there are three reasons that explain this difference in investment behavior:
1. Few conversations and female references:
Not only is the investing public dominated by men, but so is the backroom of the financial market. Among financial analysts in Brazil, only 15% are women. This reinforces the stereotype that money is "a man's thing."
Women often find themselves unable to find inspiration or even feel comfortable talking and asking questions about the topic. While financial literacy is already a problem for Brazilians in general, for women, the lack of conversation among friends and family, and lack of market references, ends up further alienating them from the topic.
2. Income difference:
It's widely debated that women earn less than men. The wage gap, which starts at 18%, reaches 29% depending on the age of comparison. With lower incomes, it's natural that fewer women have enough savings to invest. When they do manage to save, it's usually a smaller amount.
3. Access to products:
It may seem like a long time ago, but it wasn't until 1962 that women were allowed to obtain a CPF (Brazilian Social Security Number) and open a bank account. There was a time when working outside the home required a husband's authorization. It seems like a long time ago, but only two generations separate us from that era. Although initiatives geared toward women have emerged more recently, delayed access to products kept them away from this financial aspect of life for a long time.
And how to change that?
Therefore, the tip here is to always seek information and plan. Once you've decided on the investment, in addition to the amount, treat it like a bill. When you receive your salary, set aside a portion of it for investment. On the Econoweek channel, we've even discussed the 50-20-30 rule, which indicates an ideal percentage for essential expenses, leisure, and investments.
Additionally, it's a good idea to seek out forums and services geared toward women. There are initiatives that seek to promote conversations about finance among this audience. One example is the "Invista Como Uma Garota" project, which hosts in-person discussion groups on the topic. There are also online options: Guiabolso, for example, will host a live stream on the topic this Tuesday, March 10th, at 8 p.m.
In the market, there's also a good chance you'll find specialized products or even support. At Toro, for example, all female investors who register and invest at least R$5,000 between March 5th and 17th will receive exclusive guidance from the platform's female advisors via WhatsApp. This is a great opportunity to get all your investment questions answered.
But what about you? Are you already a female investor? Tell us in the comments or connect with us on our YouTube channel, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also listen to our podcasts on Spotify. We always share a wealth of knowledge about economics, finance, and investments. After all, knowledge is always a way out!