Amid economic uncertainty, ‘loud budgeting’ emerges as a trend for greater financial control, with Female Invest leading the charge in empowering women to close the 35% gender wealth gap and challenging investing stereotypes.
In 2024, a trend known as ‘loud budgeting’ is gaining traction as individuals aim to take firmer control over their finances, with a particular emphasis on encouraging women to close the gender wealth gap, reported to be at 35%. Female Invest, an organisation founded by Emma Due Bitz, Camilla Falkenberg, and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, is at the forefront of promoting financial education to empower women. Hartvigsen, challenging the stereotype that investing is predominantly a male activity, has articulated a guide to financial growth. This guide includes understanding personal finances, securing the best financial deals, constructing a budget, and establishing a contingency fund before pursuing investment opportunities.
With a reach spanning 100 countries and a growing influence in the UK, Female Invest encourages performing in-depth research before investments, suggesting broader stocks and funds as a starting point to mitigate risk. Side hustles and staying informed about financial markets are also recommended for long-term financial security, especially during the current economic uncertainty.
In other financial news, there is speculation about the possibility of a “great rotation out of cash” and into risk assets like stocks and corporate bonds. This follows beliefs that lower interest rates could drive such a shift. Nevertheless, experts, including Ian Harnett from Absolute Strategy Research, have questioned the validity of this theory, pointing out that the overall cash volume in the system remains constant since purchasing shares does not change the actual cash amount. Therefore, the anticipated impact on risk asset markets may be overstated.
Simultaneously, the Financial Times’ 2024 stock picking competition is ongoing, with attention on “Garp” stocks, indicating companies that offer growth at a reasonable price. Notable stocks mentioned include General Dynamics and Expedia, each with different potential based on market sectors and internal developments. The selection reflects a varied investment strategy, potentially influencing performance across changing economic conditions.
These reports offer insights into current attitudes and actions in the realm of personal and broader financial management, highlighting the movement towards proactive financial strategies and the discussions surrounding market liquidity and investment choices.