Published
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on
March 6, 2026
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By
Julia Wendling
Graphics & Design
- Jennifer West
- Athul Alexander
The following content is sponsored by New York Life Investment Management
5 Ways Women Are Reshaping Investing
Women are transforming the investment landscape. Entrepreneurial momentum, rising earnings, and expanding control over wealth are driving the shift. From launching businesses at record rates to redefining what they expect from financial advisors, women’s growing economic influence is reshaping how capital is built, managed, and deployed.
This visualization, created in partnership with New York Life Investment Management, highlights women’s growing role in capital markets.
A Surge in Women-Led Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is one of the clearest signals of women’s rising financial power. Last year, women launched 49% of all new businesses, according to Gusto. That marks a 69% increase since 2019 and the highest share in five years.
This growth isn’t just about participation. It’s about capital. Women business owners now control significant investable wealth, averaging $1.1 million in assets. That level of influence underscores the importance of long-term planning, trusted guidance, and access to investment education.
But entrepreneurship is only one piece of a broader wealth expansion story.
Women’s Expanding Control Over Wealth
The share of wealth controlled by women continues to grow in the U.S. and globally. As a result, their influence over how capital is allocated is increasing.
In the U.S., the share of assets controlled by women is set to rise from 31% in 2019 to 38% by 2030. This is estimated to total $34.0 trillion.
| Year | Wealth controlled by women ($ trillions) | Wealth controlled by women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10.0 | 31 |
| 2023 | 18.0 | 34 |
| 2030F | 34.0 | 38 |
Women investors span a wide range of life stages and financial roles. They include solo earners, contributors, married breadwinners, and those navigating major life transitions.
Among affluent households, married women breadwinners now account for nearly 25% of U.S. households with $250K+ in investable assets.
As women’s financial roles diversify, so does their market impact. They are shaping portfolio strategies, risk tolerance, and long-term investment priorities.
Rising income trends are accelerating this shift.
Rising Earnings, Rising Investment Power
Progress on pay equity is strengthening women’s financial foundation. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, women earned approximately 84 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2022. In 1960, that figure was about 61 cents.
| Year | Female-to-male earnings ratio |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 0.84 |
| 2021 | 0.84 |
| 2020 | 0.83 |
| 2019 | 0.82 |
| 2018 | 0.82 |
| 2017 | 0.82 |
| 2017 | 0.81 |
| 2016 | 0.81 |
| 2015 | 0.80 |
| 2014 | 0.79 |
| 2013 | 0.78 |
| 2013 | 0.78 |
| 2012 | 0.77 |
| 2011 | 0.77 |
| 2010 | 0.77 |
| 2009 | 0.77 |
| 2008 | 0.77 |
| 2007 | 0.78 |
| 2006 | 0.77 |
| 2005 | 0.77 |
| 2004 | 0.77 |
| 2003 | 0.76 |
| 2002 | 0.77 |
| 2001 | 0.76 |
| 2000 | 0.74 |
| 1999 | 0.72 |
| 1998 | 0.73 |
| 1997 | 0.74 |
| 1996 | 0.74 |
| 1995 | 0.71 |
| 1994 | 0.72 |
| 1993 | 0.72 |
| 1992 | 0.71 |
| 1991 | 0.70 |
| 1990 | 0.72 |
| 1989 | 0.69 |
| 1988 | 0.66 |
| 1987 | 0.65 |
| 1986 | 0.64 |
| 1985 | 0.65 |
| 1984 | 0.64 |
| 1983 | 0.64 |
| 1982 | 0.62 |
| 1981 | 0.59 |
| 1980 | 0.60 |
| 1979 | 0.60 |
| 1978 | 0.59 |
| 1977 | 0.59 |
| 1976 | 0.60 |
| 1975 | 0.59 |
| 1974 | 0.59 |
| 1973 | 0.57 |
| 1972 | 0.58 |
| 1971 | 0.60 |
| 1970 | 0.59 |
| 1969 | 0.61 |
| 1968 | 0.58 |
| 1967 | 0.58 |
| 1966 | 0.58 |
| 1965 | 0.60 |
| 1964 | 0.59 |
| 1963 | 0.59 |
| 1962 | 0.59 |
| 1961 | 0.59 |
| 1960 | 0.61 |
While gaps remain, the long-term trajectory is clear. Higher lifetime earnings mean greater savings potential and larger retirement balances. They also translate into increased investable assets.
As their financial footprint expands, so do their expectations around financial advice.
Redefining Financial Advice: Guidance and Partnership
Women across investor segments are seeking more hands-on support. Demand for more frequent advisor meetings (once a month or more) is increasing.
| Desire for monthly meetings or more (%) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Female Investor Group | 2019 | 2023 |
| Suddenly Single | 3 | 27 |
| Married Breadwinner | 6 | 36 |
| Married Contributor | 0 | 23 |
| Single Breadwinner | 3 | 17 |
At the same time, confidence levels have shifted. The share of women who reported feeling confident in their market knowledge declined from 56.5% in 2019 to 16.3% in 2023.
This decline has fueled demand for investing education and personalized guidance.
Performance alone isn’t enough. Research shows rising dissatisfaction among women investors. Many cite communication gaps and lack of personal connection as top reasons for switching advisors.
| Reasons for Switching Financial Advisors in the Past 2 Years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reason | 2019 | 2023 |
| Poor Customer Service | 27 | 39 |
| Lack of Personal Connection | 29 | 32 |
For many women, strong investment outcomes must be paired with trust and transparency. A genuine advisory relationship matters just as much as returns.
Adapting to a New Norm
Women’s growing wealth and influence are reshaping global markets. Those who recognize and respond to this shift will be better positioned for long-term opportunity.
Explore more insights from New York Life Investments
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