Factors that Affect Mutual Find Investment Decisions of Indian Investors

The paper seeks to extend the findings of Gill and Biger (2009) related to gender differences and factors that affect stock investment decision of Western Canadian investors by examining the affects of: 1) investors' investment expertise; 2) investors' knowledge of 'neutral information'; 3) investors' consultation with investment advisors on their decisions to invest in mutual funds. The present study is based on a sample of people living in Punjab and Delhi areas of India. Subjects were asked about their beliefs and feelings in relations to their investment decisions with particular reference to investments in mutual funds. We found that the degree of mutual fund investment decision is related to the degree of Indian investors' perceptions about their: 1) investment expertise; 2) general knowledge about the economy and the concept of mutual funds; 3) consultation with investment advisors. Family size also plays some role in the decision to invest in mutual funds. The valuable and useful recommendations for the investment managers and investment advisors have also been provided in the paper.