Women invest half as much in the stock market as men do

For the third consecutive year, ViveS Média is releasing the results of its annual survey, conducted by IFOP in partnership with La Financière de l'Échiquier and BoursoBank.
 

The purpose of this survey is to analyze the attitudes of the French toward money, as well as the similarities and/or differences between men and women. Here are the key findings.
 

82% of women are forced to change their spending habits due to rising prices, compared with 72% of men. The impact of inflation on purchasing power is driving the French—and women in particular—to alter their behavior and spending habits. This period, marked by a climate of anxiety, is eroding confidence in the future and in the economy. Women feel this more acutely, likely due to wage disparities and greater exposure to financial insecurity. Faced with these challenges, the French are planning to cut back on spending—particularly on vacations and hair salon services—and to dip into their savings.
 

Half of women in relationships earn less than their partners, 19% earn the same, and only one-third earn more. 38% of women feel comfortable negotiating their salary during a job interview, compared with 53% of men.
 

Only one-quarter of French people report having a retirement savings plan: 22% of women and 25% of men. Women (11%) invest half as much in the stock market as men (24%).
 

Although women are just as likely as men to intend to save, they are less able to put that intention into practice.
A similar proportion of men and women commit to fixed monthly savings, but women save more irregularly, often constrained by their financial circumstances. This is likely because they are more vulnerable to financial instability (disrupted careers, part-time work, the glass ceiling, and a decline in their standard of living following a separation).

For 86% of women, money is first and foremost “a necessity for living,” compared to 76% of men.
Currently, the majority of women associate money with concepts such as “constraint,” “anxiety,” and “conflict,” revealing an often-strained relationship with finances. This highlights the negative perceptions associated with money. However, there is a strong desire among women to redefine their relationship with money, which they now wish to associate with concepts such as “freedom,” “pleasure,” and “the future.” In short, they aspire to a more peaceful relationship with money.
While women are generally more cautious than men in their financial behavior, men and women express largely the same difficulties and fears regarding their relationship with money.
The survey reveals an interesting picture of the level of economic and financial literacy, particularly among women. Although they are aware of their financial situation, they show less interest in financial products. They primarily view money as a necessity and a means to achieve their personal goals. Discussing finances comes relatively easily with their personal circle, in contrast to a certain reserve when it comes to their professional circle.