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Under-30 investor share slips marginally, but continue to drive fresh market participation

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 21:40 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Under‑30 Investors Slip Marginally in Share, But Their Numbers Continue to Propel New Market Participation

By Research Journalist – Moneycontrol

August 27 2025

A recent Moneycontrol analysis of retail‑investor data shows that while the share of under‑30 investors among new market entrants has dipped slightly, the absolute number of young investors has surged, keeping them as the dominant cohort driving fresh participation in India’s equity markets.

The Numbers

According to the latest figures released by the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in its “Retail Investor Survey 2024,” the proportion of first‑time investors under the age of 30 fell from 46 % in the 2023‑24 reporting period to 44 % in the 2024‑25 period. The drop is modest – a mere two percentage points – but the total count of under‑30 new investors climbed from 525 000 in the earlier period to 590 000 in the current one, marking a 12.5 % rise in absolute terms. In contrast, the number of new investors aged 30–44 rose only 4 %, while those over 45 grew at a slower 2 % pace.

The overall pool of new demat accounts opened between March and September 2024 rose from 1.28 million to 1.34 million – a 5 % increase – underscoring that the market’s growth engine remains largely driven by the younger generation. The data also reveal that the under‑30 cohort has taken up a larger slice of the equity market, with their share of total equity investment climbing from 12.1 % to 12.8 % over the same period.

Why the Shift?

Experts attribute the marginal slip to a combination of factors. An analysis of the “Digital Brokerage Adoption Report 2024” published by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) shows that while discount brokers like Zerodha and Upstox continue to attract a high proportion of young investors (70 % of their new customer base), the entry barrier has slightly eased for older segments due to more aggressive marketing of mutual‑fund and systematic investment plan (SIP) products. Moreover, the NSE’s “SIP Outreach Study 2024” notes that first‑time investors in the 30–44 age bracket are increasingly opting for SIPs, a trend that appears to be nudging older investors toward the equity space as well.

“Young investors are not abandoning the market; they’re just being more disciplined and diversifying their asset mix,” explains Shikha Sharma, senior market analyst at Moneycontrol. “What we’re seeing is a gradual broadening of the investor base, which is a healthy sign for long‑term market stability.”

Digital Platforms and Social Media: A New Age of Learning

The Moneycontrol article also draws attention to the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping investment behaviour. A cross‑sectional study carried out by ShareChat in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT‑B) revealed that 78 % of first‑time investors under 30 accessed financial information primarily through social‑media channels, including YouTube and short‑form video apps like TikTok and Instagram. These platforms have helped demystify concepts such as market cycles, risk‑adjusted returns, and fundamental analysis for a generation that is inherently tech‑savvy.

“Digital communities are becoming the new financial advisers for a large chunk of young investors,” notes Arjun Patel, director of the Indian Institute of Finance & Technology. “This peer‑to‑peer learning environment accelerates market participation but also introduces a higher risk of herd behaviour, which regulators are keenly monitoring.”

Regulatory and Market Implications

The RBI’s latest “Retail Investor Survey 2024” suggests that the overall average investment horizon among young investors is extending from 18 to 25 months, indicating a shift from speculative short‑term trading toward a more long‑term perspective. This trend aligns with the Reserve Bank of India's stance that a longer investment horizon could reduce market volatility. Moreover, SEBI has announced a new “Investor Education Programme 2025” aimed at equipping first‑time investors with the skills needed to navigate complex market products, particularly targeting the 18‑30 age group.

The under‑30 share’s slight decline, however, has prompted discussions about the sustainability of their engagement. Some market commentators argue that as the youth’s disposable income grows, there will be a natural saturation point, after which older age groups will continue to drive growth. Others contend that the increasing interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing, particularly among young investors, could sustain and even boost the under‑30 cohort’s market participation.

Looking Ahead

With the Indian equity markets poised for another growth cycle in 2025, the trajectory of under‑30 investors remains a key barometer for future market health. While their share among new investors may have slipped marginally, their sheer numbers and expanding investment portfolios suggest that the younger generation will continue to be the lifeblood of India's stock market.

The Moneycontrol team will keep a close eye on forthcoming SEBI reports and market analytics to track whether this slight dip heralds a longer‑term shift or simply reflects a temporary adjustment in market dynamics. For now, the under‑30 demographic remains the most vibrant, tech‑driven, and growth‑oriented segment of India's investor landscape, poised to shape the market narrative for years to come.