Younger Private Clients More Upbeat, Willing To Take Risks - New Survey

Gender gaps

According to the findings, men are more likely to take an aggressive approach to investing and are twice as likely to describe their risk rolerance as "very" or "somewhat" aggressive (20 per cent versus 11 per cent). Women are also more likely to aim for a "small guaranteed" return, while men tend to be more focused on trying to outperform the market.

The survey also found that men are "significantly more optimistic" than women for the medium term (three to five years) and long term (10 years). "Given their more aggressive approach and more optimistic outlook, it’s not surprising that men would be much more likely to invest 'found' money immediately," the firm said, adding that women are more likely to increase savings.

What might be less obvious is that male optimism and female conservatism extend to their lifestyles, the firm noted. For example, on average men are spending more time and money on leisure activities (including travel, vacations and dining out) than they did in the past. Meanwhile, women are spending the same on leisure as they did before. "While both genders have cut back on shopping, women have shifted further in this direction," the report said.

The Investor Watch survey involved over 2,000 US investors.

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