Came across an interesting report by Tanzeel Merchant,which reflects the risk-averse investment preference of Indians. Quite startling that only about 1.4 per cent of retail assets are in equities or related instruments. The average Indian invests the remaining 98.6 per cent of assets predominantly in fixed income instruments, life insurance, real estate, gold etc.While the fixed income assets yield only about 6% returns, the high returns possible through equities seems to have very few takers. Look at countries like Japan & US, Investors there have a significantly higher ratio of their assets invested in equities, either directly through the purchase of stocks and mutual funds, or indirectly through pension plans. Equities as an investment option are well accepted in these markets and their ownership widespread.A look at some of the companies by m-cap throws some interesting facts - the avg Indian owned very few shares.Be it TCS, Wipro, HLL, ITC or Reliance.

Can PR play a role here? Guess, the awareness levels amongst young Indians commanding high disposable income will have to significantly go up. Your thoughts...