2025, Vol. 6, Special Issue 3

Financial instruments act as investment avenues and provide predetermined financial security to investors based on the risk-return profile of these products. Traditionally, conventional financial products were introduced in India by banks (savings accounts, current accounts), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), and postal services (recurring deposits, National Savings Certificates, Kisan Vikas Patra). However, with the recent liberalization of the financial services industry, various new financial products have been introduced, including mutual funds, shares, derivatives, and life and non-life insurance plans such as Unit Linked Investment Plans (ULIPs), pension plans, and children's education plans.

Investment preferences differ from person to person, as each individual behaves differently while investing. Investment behavior of an individual is influenced by their personal circumstances. With expectations of generating significant returns over time and tolerance for certain levels of risk, individuals invest in various financial products. This study aims to explore the investment preferences of salaried individuals towards financial products based on different demographic factors.