ISSN 2360-7963
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between key demographic variables—age, gender, education, occupation, and income—and preferred investment avenues among investors in the Kashmir Division. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a representative sample of 300 respondents. Chi-square tests of independence were utilized to assess the significance of associations between demographics and investment preferences. The analysis revealed statistically significant relationships for factors such as age, gender, and income, particularly highlighting a notable trend: younger investors exhibited a stronger preference for high-risk instruments like futures and options. These findings are interpreted in the context of the region's socio-economic and cultural dynamics, including localized economic conditions, varying levels of financial literacy, and distinct risk perceptions. The results underscore the necessity for financial institutions and regulatory bodies in the Kashmir Division to align their product strategies and investor education initiatives with the demographic nuances of the market. While this study provides valuable insights into investment behavior, further research is encouraged to investigate the motivations and underlying factors driving these demographic trends within the region's unique socio-cultural framework.
Keywords: Future and options investment behaviour, demographic factors and Indian stock market