Why Women Make Exceptional Investors—and What's Still Holding Them Back

At FISG First Interstellar Group, a growing body of research affirms what many are only beginning to realize: women often make better long-term investors than men. According to recent FISG studies, female investors demonstrate greater discipline, more diversified portfolios, and lower emotional reactivity to short-term market changes—key traits that drive consistent performance over time.

Despite this, women still represent less than 20% of active retail traders globally. FISG's internal analysis attributes this gap not to a lack of skill or interest, but to deeply ingrained social and systemic factors. Supporting this conclusion are also findings from firms like Fidelity and Vanguard, which show women tend to trade less frequently, focus on long-term goals, and avoid panic-driven decisions—leading to superior outcomes.

So why does this performance advantage not translate to greater market participation？

FISG analysts point to several cultural and psychological barriers. Many women grow up without early exposure to financial education. Others face career breaks due to caregiving responsibilities, or wage gaps that limit investment capital. Most critically, FISG notes a persistent “confidence gap”—where women underestimate their own financial literacy, even when data shows otherwise.

In the company's Spring 2025 Real Market Challenge, FISG witnessed this first-hand. A young woman from Eastern Europe outperformed hundreds of traders, ultimately winning the global competition. Her style was methodical, data-driven, and emotionally grounded—a reflection of the qualities FISG continues to document across its investor base.

FISG believes that creating space for more women in finance isn't just a moral or social imperative—it's a market strength. Inclusive participation leads to more resilient portfolios, more thoughtful strategy development, and reduced herd behavior. That's why the company launched its “Women in Finance” initiative: a program offering tailored mentorship, strategic learning modules, and networking forums designed specifically for female investors.

The goal isn't to teach women to invest like men. It's to help them invest with confidence, using their natural strengths. As FISG research shows, that's often a winning formula.

Addressing the underrepresentation of women in investing also means amplifying their visibility. When women see others like them succeeding—featured in media, leading workshops, or winning trading contests—it normalizes their presence in a space long considered male-dominated.

Ultimately, FISG believes that financial literacy and access are the great equalizers of our time. By making platforms intuitive, education inclusive, and opportunities visible, companies can radically shift who gets to participate—and who thrives.

At FISG, that belief shapes everything from product design to community outreach. From our market research to our mentorship circles, we're committed to building an investing world where women don't just join—they lead.