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The effects of personality and IQ on portfolio outcomes

Author

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  • Firth, Chris
  • Stewart, Neil
  • Antoniou, Constantinos
  • Leake, David

Abstract

We use responses to a self-report survey and matched administrative data to investigate the effects of personality (Big Five traits) and IQ on individuals’ stock trading portfolios. Traits have small but significant effects: openness and extraversion are associated with undesirable outcomes whereas conscientiousness is associated beneficially. Higher IQ is associated with lower trading activity but not enhanced investment performance. We postulate these factors influence outcomes in a complex manner, and exert over long timeframes. With portfolio size held constant, financial literacy has little effect. Other factors, such as customer age, portfolio size and portfolio risk, better explain outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Firth, Chris & Stewart, Neil & Antoniou, Constantinos & Leake, David, 2023. "The effects of personality and IQ on portfolio outcomes," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:51:y:2023:i:c:s1544612322006407
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2022.103464
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Individual decision-making; Personality traits; Big five; Investment biases; Financial literacy; IQ;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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