The Gender Investment Divide

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There has been a notable influx of new investors over the last 12 months, trading stocks, forex, and indices. But what is the current divide between men and women?

Analysing all customer investment data, we’ve been able to determine where the split lies between male and female traders, and which stock are most popular for each gender.

There are nine times as many male traders as women

According to XTB trading data, men make over nine times as many trades as women, with the current global split sitting at 90.3% vs 9.7% in favour of male investors. However, despite making considerably less trades, women boast a greater success rate than men when it comes to making profitable stock or forex picks.

While accounting for 9.7% of the current market, female traders are credited with 10.7% of all wins and just 8.7% of losses. This could suggest that men are more impulsive and reactive traders, compared to women who take a more calculated and steadied approach to risk.

Male vs female traders percentage

Percentage trades by gender

What is the gender divide around the world?

As outlined, the vast majority of stock trades are made by men – over 90%, in fact. But not all countries are so tilted in favour of male investors. In fact, according to our research, nearly one-in-five trades (17.9%) made in the South American nation of Chile are made by women, over twice the figure of European nations Czech Republic (8.3%), Portugal (8.2%), France (7.6%), Germany (7.5%), Slovakia (7.5%), Spain (6.4%), and Poland (5.7%).

Meanwhile, the UK joins Chile as one of the top nations for female traders, with an above average rate of 10.5%. However, there’s still work to be done to reach the levels set by Italy (10.1%), Hungary (11.7%), Romania (12.8%), and the UAE (14.3%).

Male vs female traders by country

Gender split percentages by country

The top trades by gender

There’s a clear divide between how many men and women engage in trading, but what about when it comes to choosing stocks? We’ve analysed the top ten stocks and indices chosen by men and women over the last 12 months.

Which stocks do men and women favour?

Interestingly, Elon Musk’s electric vehicle and clean energy brand, Tesla, is the most traded stock among both men and women, which is perhaps unsurprising given how often the company and founder is constantly in the media. Joining Tesla, there are a further five stocks than men and women both share. These are NIO (automotive), AMC (entertainment), Palantir Technologies (software), GameStop (electronics), and Apple (technology).

However, this is where the similarities stop, and the two genders follow different trends. Notably, men are much more likely to make trades related to oil or gas extraction; Callon Petroleum, Oasis Petroleum, Noble Corp, and Nabors Industries all feature in the top ten stock trades conducted by male investors over the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, looking at the top ten stock trades completed by women over the same period, we have Wirecard AG (financial services), McEwen Mining (gold and silver mining), Virgin Galactic (Richard Branson’s space exploration program), and Tui (travel and tourism).

Top stocks by gender

Top stock trades by gender

The most traded indices by men and women

When it comes to trade indices, German market DE30 takes top spot for both men and women, with EUR/USD and USD100 also placing in the top three for each gender. Gold also features highly for each, along with American exchanges US30 and US500. In fact, the only difference between the two genders is that USD/CAD is among the most traded indices by women, while FRA40 features in the men’s top ten.

Whether you’re new to trading or an experienced hand, check out even more markets, including forex and commodities. Or discover the latest trading news, to keep up with everything going on in our world.

 

 

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This content has been created by XTB S.A. This service is provided by XTB S.A., with its registered office in Warsaw, at Prosta 67, 00-838 Warsaw, Poland, entered in the register of entrepreneurs of the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy) conducted by District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw, XII Commercial Division of the National Court Register under KRS number 0000217580, REGON number 015803782 and Tax Identification Number (NIP) 527-24-43-955, with the fully paid up share capital in the amount of PLN 5.869.181,75. XTB S.A. conducts brokerage activities on the basis of the license granted by Polish Securities and Exchange Commission on 8th November 2005 No. DDM-M-4021-57-1/2005 and is supervised by Polish Supervision Authority.

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