A Study on Wealth Creation Through Strategic Investment Opportunities

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines wealth creation through strategic investment opportunities among individual retail investors in Guwahati, Assam, India. Using a descriptive, quantitative research design, primary data were collected from 200 respondents through a structured questionnaire administered both online and offline across multiple bank branches. The analysis encompassed demographic profiling, investment behavior, risk tolerance, financial planning habits, digital platform usage, and investor satisfaction. Reliability of the Likert-scale instrument was assessed via Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.83, indicating strong internal consistency. Chi-square tests of independence were applied to three hypothesized behavioral relationships. Results indicate that 95.5% of respondents are active investors, with mutual funds (30.4%), Public Provident Fund (13.3%), and fixed deposits (11.8%) being the most preferred instruments. The majority (83.2%) demonstrate moderate risk tolerance and 83% invest with a long-term horizon of five or more years. However, only 28% engage in detailed financial planning. Chi-square analysis reveals no statistically significant associations between having a clear investment strategy and satisfaction with returns, between belief in strategic investing and actually possessing a strategy, or between risk awareness and balanced portfolio allocation. These findings underscore a critical gap between investor knowledge and actionable financial behavior, highlighting the need for structured financial literacy programs, professional advisory access, and goal-oriented investment guidance.

Keywords: wealth creation, strategic investment, mutual funds, financial planning, risk tolerance, Cronbach's alpha, chi-square test, retail investors, India