Srinagar: For the first time, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) investor base in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed six lakh in 2025.
Experts say this reflects people’s growing financial awareness and increased participation in capital markets.
According to data, Jammu and Kashmir had just 40,000 investors in 2010, a figure that rose gradually to 60,000 in 2014, 65,000 in 2015, and 70,000 in 2016. The pace of growth accelerated significantly thereafter, culminating in a more than ninefold increase over the last ten years.
A notable feature of this expansion is the rising role of women investors. Female participation in Jammu and Kashmir’s investor base, as per the figures, stands at 25 per cent, underlining a shift in household financial decision processes.
Market experts attributed the surge to a combination of digital access, policy initiatives, and changing investor behaviour.
“The rapid growth in NSE investors from Jammu and Kashmir is largely driven by increased smartphone penetration, easy access to online trading platforms, and sustained financial literacy campaigns,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar, a financial markets expert.
“Women, in particular, are entering equity markets through SIPs and long-term investments, viewing them as tools for wealth creation rather than short-term speculation,” he said.
Experts also pointed to the expansion of banking services, direct benefit transfers, and improved connectivity as factors that have helped bring more residents into the formal financial ecosystem.
Experts also said that youth are getting inclined towards investment in funds while following Shariah.
“Earlier, investing in mutual funds was unfamiliar to many in our society. Today, people are increasingly showing interest, including in Shariah-compliant mutual fund schemes. The shift is partly driven by subdued returns in gold and real estate, while mutual funds offer the advantage of lower entry costs and the potential for steady returns,” saidIrshad Mushtaq, a noted financial expert.
Pertinently, investment into gold, real estate, and other sectors has also seen a surge for the last few years in the valley. It has led to the mushrooming of financial firms that educate as well as offer the best deals for the locals to ensure their financial stability.