A Money Today survey reveals that the under-35 age group is not afraid of losing jobs and has reduced expenses. But some are still taking risks.
1. Less hit than expected...
76.4% are NOT afraid of losing their jobs.
44.4% of those who are afraid, plan to study.
74.5% haven't taken a salary cut.
2. ...but still wary
a) Reduction in expenses
60% have reduced expenses by 10-30%.
29.1% have not reduced expenses.
5.5% have reduced expenses by over 30%.
b) Items crossed out of the budget
49.09% say entertainment
36.36% say gadgets
38.18% say clothes
Responses exceed 100% as participants chose more than one option.
3. Playing it safe
a) Hide (from losses in 2009)...
45.4% will invest more in debt instruments.
32.7% will bet aggressively on equities.
20.1% no answer, so are probably unsure.
b) ...and seek (potential returns)
Most popular 80C investment in 2008
Rank 1: Ulip
Rank 2: ELSS
Rank 3: Five-year FD
Most popular 80C investment in 2009
Rank 1: ELSS
Rank 2: Five-year FD
Rank 3: Ulip
4. Not very fond of stocks
45.5% won't buy stocks till markets stabilise.
29.1% are buying blue-chips.
12.7% are buying mid-caps.
12.7% respondents did not answer this question
5. Focus: Returns
30.9% will invest, instead of spending a bonus of Rs 50,000.
The online survey was carried out between 17 March and 24 March 2009. The total number of participants is 70, out of which 55 responded to all questions correctly.
