Abstract
The differences in skill expectations and knowledge are amongst factors that contribute to the variances when men and women choose financial products. Women are claimed to be risk averse, somewhat insecure, lacking self-confidence and interest in financial investment products. Nevertheless, the evolving working and educational environment has changed this stereotype, wherein women are increasingly more educated, knowledgeable, and are more exposed to investments. Gender equality between men and women in terms of the volume of investments has turned into a requirement that boosts economic growth with people being the most important factor to contribute through investing habit. This cannot be realised if only men are involved in investment. Financial institutions aim certain figures of targeted investment volume each year. As such, this study identified the factors of women investments, particularly in Islamic unit trusts. A total of 201 respondents were selected via the convenience sampling technique. The Likert scale questionnaires were analysed using SMART PLS software. As a result, several investment behaviours, including investment objectives, return expectations, awareness, and risk attitude, emerged as factors that influenced women investors to choose unit trusts. The study outcomes are beneficial in devising effective strategies that may attract women to invest in Islamic unit trust. Besides, certain agencies should conduct campaigns or seminars on financial literacy for this potential sector, so as to enhance their knowledge in investing in Islamic unit trusts.
Highlights
Unit trust or mutual fund is an indirect financial investment tool that has been growing at a rapid pace and supports a range of complex needs within the financial industry
This investment vehicle is known as Islamic unit trust when the diversified portfolios are invested in a portfolio of halal stocks that comply with Shariah rules
The total Islamic funds accounted for 28.5 percent in year 2017, whereas the Net Asset Value (NAV) of conventional and unit trust funds increased from RM432 billion in 2018 to reach higher by the end of 2019
Summary
Unit trust or mutual fund is an indirect financial investment tool that has been growing at a rapid pace and supports a range of complex needs within the financial industry This investment vehicle is known as Islamic unit trust when the diversified portfolios are invested in a portfolio of halal stocks that comply with Shariah rules. The total Islamic funds accounted for 28.5 percent in year 2017, whereas the Net Asset Value (NAV) of conventional and unit trust funds increased from RM432 billion in 2018 to reach higher by the end of 2019 This figure grew over the years, the Capital Market Master Plan 2 target of NAV for Islamic unit trusts was RM158 billion for 2020. This serves as a motivation to assess the acceptance of Islamic unit trusts amongst women so as to identify if the level of their investment is encouraging
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
