Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Risk Aversion vs. Individualism: What Drives Risk Taking in Household Finance? by Wolfgang Breuer, Michael Riesener, Astrid Salzmann :: SSRN

The (Markowitz) efficient frontier. CAL stands...Image via WikipediaRisk Aversion vs. Individualism: What Drives Risk Taking in Household Finance? by Wolfgang Breuer, Michael Riesener, Astrid Salzmann :: SSRN:

"We ask why the prevalence of stockholding is so limited. We focus on individuals’ attitudes towards risk and identify relevant factors that affect the willingness to take financial risks. Our empirical evidence contradicts standard portfolio theory, as it does not indicate a significant relationship between risk aversion and financial risk taking. However, our analysis supports the behavioral view that psychological factors rooted in national culture affect portfolio choice. Individualism, which is linked to overconfidence and overoptimism, has a significantly positive effect on financial risk taking. In micro data from Germany and Singapore, as well as in cross-country data, we find evidence consistent with low levels of individualism being an important factor in explaining the limited participation puzzle."


Two studies in a week that find culture effects financial decision making. (here is the other one)
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