The number of women seeking to invest money in their savings accounts has risen steadily over the past year, new figures show.

According to the latest MoneyMood survey by Legal and General, some 64 per cent of women are in the mood to save money, up from 59 per cent a year ago.

However, the number of men of a similar mindset has fallen over the same period, dropping to 56 per cent from 59 per cent in 2009.

Mark Gregory, executive director of savings at Legal and General, commented: The mood of the nation is definitely one of saving rather than spending.

Women are clearly the driving force in maintaining the saving habit in most households.

Meanwhile, Dan Morris, market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, claimed recently that with government bond yields at record lows and a pessimistic outlook for equities, investors should consider high yield bonds and high dividend equities .