More Danish women are starting to invest, but new figures reveal they still trail men in both participation and returns. Experts say the gender gap in investing is costing women financially and holding back economic equality.
A Life Changing Investment
When Benedikte Løje Nielsen bought her first share at 24, she never imagined it would eventually help her purchase her dream apartment in Copenhagen. Now 31, the CBS graduate says her success came from consistent investing, not luck. The profits from her investments provided the down payment she needed for her apartment in Østerbro.
According to data from Nordea and Nordnet, Benedikte’s story remains rare. Only a small number of women in Denmark aged 18 to 29 currently invest in stocks or other securities. In comparison, young men are far more active and invest larger portions of their savings.
Gender Gaps in Danish Investing Habits
Nordea’s financial experts see a clear pattern. Many young women prefer to keep their money in cash savings accounts rather than invest. At the same time, more young men explore investing in stocks early in their financial journey.
Nordnet reports similar trends. Around one-third of their investors under 30 are women, and while that number is rising, it still shows a large gender imbalance. Experts believe many women are just as interested in investing as men but delay taking action, often out of caution or uncertainty.
Different Risk Preferences
When women do invest, they tend to focus on broad funds that spread out risk, while men often buy individual stocks and take bolder risks. Young men are especially drawn to American tech and health companies. By contrast, women prefer stable Danish companies like Novo Nordisk and Ørsted.
This difference in risk appetite has led to distinct outcomes. Over the past three years, Danish men’s investment portfolios have grown by an average of 15.7 percent, while women’s have increased by only 3.3 percent. Experts say the difference is not because women are worse at investing but because they invest less and take fewer risks.
Falling Behind Financially
Financial advisors estimate that a globally diversified fund could bring an annual return of about 6 percent. By comparison, savings accounts typically offer just 0.15 percent in positive interest. Over six years, investing DKK 50,000 could earn nearly DKK 25,000 more than leaving the same amount untouched.
Despite that clear advantage, many young women remain hesitant to invest. Experts warn this behavior widens the existing wealth gap between men and women. Data from Statistics Denmark shows a 12.9 percent gender pay gap, and according to Nordnet, the wealth gap between male and female investors reaches 83 percent.
Women often pause their careers for family reasons and perform more unpaid work at home, putting them at an additional disadvantage. Investing could be a way to make up for some of that financial setback, but the hesitation means many miss out on potential growth.
Encouraging More Women to Invest
Investment networks like Female Invest encourage women to overcome common myths that investing requires a lot of time, money, or expertise. They emphasize that small, regular contributions can make a big difference over time. Experts also consider workplace pension plans a useful starting point since much of that investing happens automatically.
Another key factor is risk tolerance. Understanding personal comfort levels can help investors make better decisions and avoid emotional reactions to market changes.
A Path Toward Financial Equality
Experts agree that leaving money in savings accounts offers little long-term benefit. For individuals planning to use their savings within three years, placing funds in low-risk accounts makes sense. However, for longer-term goals, especially retirement or property investment, risks are worth considering.
For Benedikte Løje Nielsen, the results speak for themselves. Her initial investments made it possible to secure her first home in Copenhagen. Now she plans to rebuild her portfolio and hopes that in a few years she can invest enough to buy a larger place, and maybe even a summer house.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Investing in Stocks in Denmark – An Overview
The Danish Dream: Banking in Denmark for Foreigners (Updated 2025)
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