From FDs to mutual funds: How Indians are changing their investment behaviour
India Today
For years, FDs and real estate were the first choice for Indian savers seeking safety and certainty. Now, mutual funds are steadily gaining popularity, especially among first-time investors looking for higher returns. Is this the beginning of a long-term shift in how Indians invest?
Not very long ago, most Indian households trusted fixed deposits, gold, or property more than the stock market. Investing in equities was seen as risky and complicated. But that picture is quietly changing. Today, millions of first-time investors are entering the markets, and mutual funds have become their preferred starting point.
According to Zerodha founder and CEO, Nithin Kamath, this shift marks a deeper and more lasting change in how Indians think about money and investing.
The COVID-19 period turned out to be a turning point for retail participation in the markets. With more people staying at home, learning online, and looking for better returns, many opened their first investment accounts.
Kamath pointed out how sharply participation has increased. “The Indian markets have changed dramatically in the post-pandemic period. The first big change is, of course, the significant increase in new investors. There are over 11 crore unique investors now.”
This growth reflects a broadening of the investor base. People from smaller towns, young professionals, and salaried individuals are now taking interest in equities and market-linked products.
One of the most noticeable trends is that new investors are choosing mutual funds instead of directly buying shares. Mutual funds offer diversification and professional management, which makes them less intimidating for beginners.
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The move comes as global energy markets remain on edge due to escalating tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, which has raised fears of disruptions to crude oil shipments from the Middle East.
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