Women in the Blue Mountains have long been part of building this community—managing businesses, raising families, and making financial decisions that last. That practical, steady approach shows up in investment results, too.

Women consistently outperform men as investors. Analysis from the University of California, Berkeley around 35,000 households, and a similar study from the Warwick Business School, showed female investors earned roughly 1–2% higher annual returns. Over decades, that difference compounds into a powerful advantage. This pattern is repeatable and data-backed, extending across individual and professional investors alike.

Among professional managers, the same results appear. A 2022 analysis by Investment Metrics of 90 global equity portfolios found women-led teams lost just 2.6% in a down market versus 5.9% for male-led teams—a significant difference in asset protection. A Goldman Sachs Asset Management article reported female-managed funds are 10% more likely to outperform benchmarks compared with male-managed funds. Gender-balanced private equity management teams achieved up to 20% higher returns, according to this International Finance Corporation and World Bank study, than male dominated ones.

Despite these outcomes, women remain underrepresented in financial decision-making. In my work with families across South Georgian Bay, I’ve noticed that in many households, the male partner still takes the more active role. According to a Morningstar report, women portfolio managers have been decreasing and account for just 11% in the US. This is despite women getting better results.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada reports women underestimate their financial knowledge by 23.5%, despite having strong results. And nearly 90% of Canadian women will manage finances on their own at some point—three-quarters as widows, often by their mid-50s, according to this study from Vanier Institute. Confidence before that moment matters far more than making up for lost time after it.

Here in the Blue Mountains, women already lead with clarity and perspective—the same traits that sustain long-term success in investing. I’m hosting a Women and their Wealth Virtual Seminar to explore the data, share practical strategies to build financial confidence, and open a conversation about better decision-making.

RSVP today to join the discussion and learn how informed, confident investing can drive meaningful results—for yourself, your family, and your future.

Fraser Willson, CFP^®, CIM^® | Senior Wealth Advisor | CIBC Wood Gundy | Collingwood | Fraser.Willson@cibc.com | (647) 588-4344 | www.WillsonInvestments.com