Tech-driven shift leads 45% of young India to prefer stocks as primary choice of investment: StockGro

India’s investment landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing number of young investors shifting their focus toward the stock market. According to the latest Investor Behaviour Index (IBI) 2025, released by StockGro in collaboration with 1Lattice, 45% of Indians under 35 now prefer stocks as their primary investment choice

“Notably, 45% of young Indians (under 35) now prefer stocks as their primary investment choice, signaling a shift towards direct equity investments over traditional savings instruments. This preference is driven by increased financial awareness, improved access to investment tools, and a growing appetite for long-term wealth creation,” said a press release by StockGro.

Technology has played a critical role in reshaping India’s investment landscape. According to the report, 68% of investors now rely on digital platforms for learning and investment management, with real-time insights, AI-powered recommendations, and virtual trading simulations making stock market entry easier.

Interestingly, nearly 50% of beginner investors prefer to practice with virtual money first, emphasizing the growing demand for risk-free environments before committing to real investments.

“The Investor Behaviour Index 2025 marks a fundamental shift in India’s investment culture. With young investors leading the way in stock market participation and education-first digital platforms driving accessibility, financial literacy is now more crucial than ever. At StockGro, we are committed to bridging the knowledge gap by connecting learners with SEBI-registered investment advisors to make informed decisions,” said Ajay Lakhotia, Founder & CEO of StockGro.

Adding to this, Amar Choudhary, CEO at 1Lattice said, “With 40% of investors under 30 and 1 in 4 new investors being women, equity markets are now recognized as powerful tools for wealth creation. This report provides key insights into investor behavior and the critical role financial education plays in keeping India’s equity market robust and healthy”.Also read: IndusInd Bank, Ashok Leyland and 7 more stocks see highest promoter pledge rise in Dec qtrDespite the rise in retail investors, the report highlights a gender disparity in stock market participation, with only 10.1% of surveyed investors being women. However, the study also noted a positive shift, with 34% of female respondents planning to increase their equity market exposure in 2025, indicating a growing interest in financial independence.

While more young Indians are investing in equities, concerns over market volatility remain. The report found that 51% of investors fear stock market crashes, while 36% of active investors have less than one year of experience, highlighting the need for structured investment guidance.

Additionally, despite an enthusiasm to invest, 42% of non-investors cited a lack of knowledge as the biggest barrier to investing, reinforcing the need for financial education initiatives. Further, 44% of aspiring investors expressed the need for step-by-step guidance, while 38% preferred bite-sized online courses to navigate the complexities of the stock market.

However, on the bright side, the survey found that 78.5% of respondents are eager to improve their understanding of the stock market, reinforcing the demand for continued financial education initiatives.

The insights from StockGro’s Investor Behaviour Index 2025 highlight a dynamic shift in investment patterns. With a growing inclination toward stocks, the expanding role of digital education, and deeper market penetration in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, these trends indicate the rise of a more knowledgeable, confident, and diverse investor community.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)