Why Women Make Exceptional Long-Term Investors
March is Women’s History Month — a time to celebrate the leadership, resilience, and impact women have made throughout history.
It’s also a powerful moment to highlight something that often goes unacknowledged: women are uniquely positioned to be exceptional long-term investors… and the trends show it.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Financial Advisor for women, I see this truth reflected both in the data and in the real-life financial lives of women every day.
But you don’t have to take it from me. Here’s what the research shows… and why it matters for you.
Women Control a Rapidly Growing Share of Wealth
One of the most important shifts in financial markets today is the rise in female-controlled assets.
According to a 2025 McKinsey & Company report, women currently control about 34% of all retail financial assets in the U.S. and European Union — roughly $60 trillion — and this share is rising. By 2030, women’s share of total assets is projected to increase to as much as 40–45% globally.
Between 2018 and 2023, female-controlled assets grew faster than overall global wealth — 51% versus 43%.
These trends reflect broader demographic, economic, and cultural shifts:
More women are earning high incomes;
Marriage and household structures are changing;
Women’s financial confidence continues to rise.
This growth is redefining the face of wealth management.
Women Are Investing… and Outpacing Traditional Assumptions
Women are investing more than ever before.
A 2024 study found that 71% of women invest in the stock market, with participation rising particularly among younger women (Source: The Motley Fool).
But here’s what’s even more interesting: women tend to invest differently — and very successfully.
Women Outperform on Key Behavioral Traits
Multiple studies across decades show that women’s investing behavior aligns with traits associated with long-term success:
Women trade less frequently than men — about 44% less often — and log into accounts less often, which can reduce impulsive decisions and transaction costs (Source: The Motley Fool).
Research has found that women’s portfolios have outperformed men’s by 0.4% to 1.8% annually — a meaningful edge over time (Sources: Forbes / The Motley Fool).
Women are often more risk-aware than risk-seeking, focusing on stability and long-term goals (Source: McKinsey & Company).
These behaviors — patience, discipline, long-term focus, goal-oriented planning — are not accidental. They are strengths that align directly with what drives long-term investment outcomes.
Female Confidence Is Growing, But Still Has Room to Rise
Despite these strengths, women still report lower confidence in their investing decisions than men.
Only about 28% of women say they are mostly or very comfortable making investment decisions, compared with 39% of men (Source: The Motley Fool).
Yet confidence is increasing — particularly among younger women. A McKinsey study found that:
In Europe, the percentage of women who felt comfortable making financial decisions rose from ~45% in 2018 to 67% in 2023.
In the U.S., the share of women under 50 expressing financial confidence rose from 48% in 2018 to 61% in 2023.
This growing self-confidence, combined with rising financial autonomy, is reshaping the investor landscape.
Women Think Differently… And That’s a Strength
Women also tend to approach investing with distinct priorities that reflect real life:
Focusing on goals like ensuring retirement security, managing healthcare costs, and maintaining lifestyle rather than merely chasing the highest returns.
Taking measured, long-term views rather than reacting to short-term noise.
This aligns with behavioral finance principles: objective, goal-based planning and disciplined execution often outperform reactive trading.
A Growing Opportunity (And a Reality Check)
Even as women’s financial influence grows, the wealth management industry has not fully adapted.
McKinsey’s research shows that:
Women are less likely than men to work with financial advisors — leaving an estimated 53% of female-controlled assets unmanaged, compared with 45% for men.
Much of the industry’s traditional outreach still assumes a male decision-maker, which can leave female investors under-engaged.
This gap represents both a challenge — and a significant opportunity for women to take control of their financial journeys.
What This Means for You
Here’s the bottom line:
Women control more wealth than ever — and that share is rapidly expanding.
Women invest in ways that often lead to stronger long-term results.
Women’s confidence is growing — especially among younger generations.
Women’s financial goals and behaviors tend to be intentional and goal-oriented, which supports long-term planning.
So if you’ve ever felt uncertain about investing, consider this:
Your strengths — patience, discipline, intentionality — are not just nice to have. They are foundational to long-term investing success.
Ready to Build on Your Strengths?
You don’t need to be an expert overnight. You just need clarity, a plan aligned with your life, and guidance you trust.
I offer complimentary financial consultations designed to help women:
Clarify goals and priorities
Understand their full financial picture
Build confident long-term investment strategies
Feel empowered in their financial decisions
If you’re ready to take the next step in your financial journey, I would be honored to walk through it with you.
Schedule your complimentary financial consultation today.
Please Note: The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Lauren Smith and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions.
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