by Ashley Ruffle – Financial Advisor, Edward Jones –
Most of us would probably agree that men and women frequently behave differently. Of course, this certainly doesn’t mean either gender has an advantage in these areas. However, here’s an interesting question: Do women possess attributes that may make them better investors? Some evidence suggests this may indeed be the case. Consider the following:
Long-term focus. Women seem to focus more on long-term goals, according to some studies, whereas men may concentrate more on short-term track records of potential investments. Generally speaking, taking a long-term approach to investing is a good strategy because it can help you maintain discipline and avoid subjecting yourself to the dangers of overreacting to market swings.
Less frequent trading. Women do significantly less buying and selling than men. This tendency is important because frequent trading can undercut a long-term, cohesive investment strategy. If you’re constantly buying and selling, you won’t give some investments a chance to achieve their full growth potential, and you might disrupt the diversification necessary for long-term success.
More thoughtful decisions and more receptiveness to professional advice. An Edward Jones poll discovered that 63% of women recognize that developing a financial strategy for short- and long-term goals made them feel more confident about the future. The poll also found that individuals who are “very confident” in the level of their financial knowledge are more likely to consult a professional financial advisor in the first place. Given the number of factors involved in successful investing – setting long-term goals, evaluating risk tolerance, navigating volatile financial markets, diversifying investment portfolios, and so on – it’s important to get solid financial and investment advice from trained, experienced professionals.
Greater risk aversion. When it comes to savings and investing, women are generally more risk averse than men. According to the “Women and Wealth” study conducted by Strategic Insight, women focus on predictable financial outcomes as opposed to the assumption of risk and the achievement of specific performance objectives. Nonetheless, it’s not really possible to avoid all investment risk – and it’s probably not even desirable. In fact, there may well be a flip side to women’s risk avoidance, in that an overly conservative portfolio won’t produce the growth potential needed to achieve long-term goals. And this indeed is a danger to which women investors should be alert. Generally speaking, neither excessive risk nor excessive caution will serve investors well.
A long-term perspective, avoidance of excess trading, willingness to take advice from professionals, and careful risk management – these characteristics of women investors can be of value to everyone. Consider putting them to work for yourself.
