in-page

Calm, Cool and Invested

Understanding women investors during market uncertainty

Download Full Report
​

Revisiting Women as Investors

The COVID-19-related economic shutdown created a level of uncertainty and volatility that challenged even the most seasoned investors. PIMCO re-surveyed affluent women investors in September 2020 to understand how the current climate impacted their lives and their views on money and investing.

​

Women Under Pressure

The impact of COVID-19 constrained women’s income, time and ability to plan for the future

51% experienced a direct impact to their physical or financial health due to COVID

47% are in survival mode, just trying to get through the pandemic day-by-day

Women Remain Calm, Cool and Invested

Despite market volatility, women have made few reactionary changes to their portfolios or their investment philosophy.

28% list their top investment goal as financial stability, up from 20% in 2018
28%
33% say they have made no changes to their portfolios in the last six months
33%
54% consider mitigating risk the most important measure of success
54%
79% feel they are coping with the current uncertainty better than others
79%

Supporting the Needs of Women Investors

Women want accessible education and strategic recommendations from their advisors.

30%

Agree investing can be used to meet long- and short-term goals.

33%

Want advice on how to establish a plan for consistent income in retirement.

39%

Were glad they were working with an advisor during the last 6 months.

Calm, Cool and Invested Under Pressure

Access the full research findings

Download Full Report
Related Resources

Insights into Action

Specific steps financial professionals can take to help women investors navigate volatility.

Download 

PIMCO APAC Investor Sentiment Survey

How does volatility affect APAC investors: not just their portfolios, but their outlook and expectations?

DISCOVER MORE

About the Survey

Background

In 2018, PIMCO commissioned The Harris Poll to conduct an online survey of 1,500 U.S. adults 18 and older, including 748 women. All respondents had over $10,000 in investable assets and at least some financial decision-making responsibility within the household. 317 women had over $100,000 in investable assets. The research findings were published as Women, Investing and the Pursuit of Wealth-Life Balance.

Current Survey

PIMCO and The Harris Poll conducted a similar online survey this year to gauge if and how the climate of uncertainty had affected women’s attitudes and behavior toward investing. The survey was conducted from September 9 through 17, 2020, reaching 1,001 U.S. adults 18 and older, including 448 women. Again, all respondents had over $100,000 in investable assets and at least some financial decision-making responsibility within the household.

Disclosures

Hong Kong
PIMCO Asia Limited
Suite 2201, 22nd Floor
Two International Finance Centre
No. 8 Finance Street, Central
Hong Kong
852-3650-7700

Licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission for Types 1, 4 and 9 regulated activities under the Securities and Futures Ordinance. PIMCO Asia Limited (Suite 2201, 22nd Floor, Two International Finance Centre, No. 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong) is registered as a cross-border discretionary investment manager with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Korea (Registration No. 08-02-307). The asset management services and investment products are not available to persons where provision of such services and products is unauthorised.

Methodology:
Background
In 2018, PIMCO commissioned The Harris Poll to conduct an online survey of 1,500 U.S. adults 18 and older, including 748 women. All respondents had over $10,000 in investable assets and at least some financial decision-making responsibility within the household. 317 women had over $100,000 in investable assets.

Current Survey
PIMCO and The Harris Poll conducted a similar online survey this year to gauge if and how the climate of uncertainty had effected women’s attitudes and behavior toward investing. The survey was conducted from September 9 through 17, 2020, reaching 1,001 U.S. adults 18 and older, including 448 women. Again, all respondents had over $100,000 in investable assets and at least some financial decision-making responsibility within the household.

These survey results contain the opinions of the respondents and are not necessarily those of PIMCO. The data contained within the report may not be related to any PIMCO product or strategy and should not be relied upon for any investment decision.

Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results.  All investments contain risk and may lose value. Forecasts, estimates and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. There is no guarantee that stated results will be achieved. Statements concerning financial market trends or portfolio strategies are based on current market conditions, which will fluctuate. There is no guarantee that these investment strategies will work under all market conditions or are appropriate for all investors and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. Outlook and strategies are subject to change without notice.

The online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling can be calculated. The sample of individuals was not large enough to draw broader conclusions during the current economic landscape. Still, the pandemic presented an unprecedented financial crisis that allows us to see how women react in times of uncertainty, and how investment professionals can help them during these times.

PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This material contains the opinions of the survey respondents but not necessarily those of PIMCO and such opinions are subject to change without notice. PIMCO has no duty or obligation to update the information contained herein. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. in the United States and throughout the world. ©2020, PIMCO.

CMR2020-1201-1431968