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Digital financial inclusion and investment diversification: Evidence from China

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  • Xiaomeng Lu
  • Yali Lai
  • Yong Zhang

Abstract

We examine the impact of digital financial inclusion on the diversification of individual stock investments in China using nationwide data from the Chinese Stock Market Individual Investor Survey and the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index of China. We show that digital financial inclusion significantly increases the diversification of individual stock investments, primarily by reducing investors' perceived transaction costs and mitigating investors' limited attention. It also plays a more significant role among investors with lower conventional financial development, lower financial literacy, below 45 years old, shorter investment experience and females. We recommend the continued promotion of digital financial inclusion to optimise asset allocation in Chinese households.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaomeng Lu & Yali Lai & Yong Zhang, 2023. "Digital financial inclusion and investment diversification: Evidence from China," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(S2), pages 2781-2799, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:63:y:2023:i:s2:p:2781-2799
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.13043
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    1. Wang, Lei & Sha, Yifan & Ding, Lili & Zhao, Zhongchao, 2024. "Risk mitigation strategies in urban investment bonds: Insights from local government implicit debt governance," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 607-618.
    2. Lu, Xiaomeng & Zhang, Xianjun & Guo, Jiaojiao & Yue, Pengpeng, 2024. "Digital finance era: Will individual investors become better players?," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    3. Yong Bian & Xiqian Wang & Qin Zhang, 2023. "How Does China's Household Portfolio Selection Vary with Financial Inclusion?," Papers 2311.01206, arXiv.org.

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