INVESTMENT DECISION MAKING TOWARDS INVESTING IN ISLAMIC UNIT TRUSTS AMONGST WOMEN

• Main Authors: Nor Izzati Mohd Aziz, Salina Kassim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Utara Malaysia 2021-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Banking and Finance
• Subjects: gender equality; financial investment; risk tolerance; islamic unit trusts
• Online Access: http://e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/ijbf/article/view/11094

The differences in skill expectations and knowledge are amongst factors that contribute to the variances when men and women choose financial products. Women are claimed to be risk averse, somewhat insecure, lacking self-confidence and interest in financial investment products. Nevertheless, the evolving working and educational environment has changed this stereotype, wherein women are increasingly more educated, knowledgeable, and are more exposed to investments. Gender equality between men and women in terms of the volume of investments has turned into a requirement that boosts economic growth with people being the most important factor to contribute through investing habit. This cannot be realised if only men are involved in investment. Financial institutions aim certain figures of targeted investment volume each year. As such, this study identified the factors of women investments, particularly in Islamic unit trusts.A total of 201 respondents were selected via the convenience sampling technique. The Likert scale questionnaires were analysed using SMART PLS software. As a result, several investment behaviours, including investment objectives, return expectations, awareness, and risk attitude, emerged as factors that influenced women investors to choose unit trusts. The study outcomes are beneficial in devising effective strategies that may attract women to invest in Islamic unit trust. Besides, certain agencies should conduct campaigns or seminars on financial literacy for this potential sector, so as to enhance their knowledge in investing in Islamic unit trusts.