Why 32 million Indian households don't invest in stocks, mutual funds
SEBI's latest survey reveals that while most Indian households (63%) know about stocks and mutual funds, just 9.5% actually invest—roughly 32 million homes.
So, even with all that awareness, most people are still sitting on the sidelines.
Urban vs rural
City households are more likely to invest (15%) than rural ones (6%), with Delhi leading at over 20%.
Nearly 80% of families—and even Gen-Z—prefer playing it safe over chasing big returns.
The biggest hurdles? Complicated processes, lack of info, and fear of losing money.
Still, about a fifth of non-investors say they want to start investing this year.
What do non-investors want?
There's a clear call for simpler digital platforms and financial content in local languages.
Gen-Z leans toward learning through short videos or social media, while older folks prefer articles or workshops.
SEBI says it'll use these insights to make investing more accessible for everyone.