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Who trades profusely? The characteristics of individual investors who trade frequently

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  • Richards, Daniel W.
  • Willows, Gizelle D.

Abstract

Research has shown that investors trade too frequently, and that this overtrading lowers investment return. This paper examines the characteristics of investors who trade frequently. Multivariable regression analysis of over three years of trading data from 7200 UK investors enabled identification of numerous characteristics significantly and positively associated with frequent trading. These were male gender, younger age, use of stop losses and use of multiple mediums of trading, including the internet, the telephone and an advice team. In addition, the research revealed that trading frequency is positively skewed, in that a small proportion of investors are responsible for the majority of the trading with the highest cumulative value. The results are of practical value to policy makers that want to reduce investors' trading frequency because they outline that a small minority of investors need be targeted.

Suggested Citation

  • Richards, Daniel W. & Willows, Gizelle D., 2018. "Who trades profusely? The characteristics of individual investors who trade frequently," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 1-11.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:glofin:v:35:y:2018:i:c:p:1-11
    DOI: 10.1016/j.gfj.2017.03.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gizelle D. Willows & Daniel W. Richards, 2023. "Buy and buy again: The impact of unique reference points on (re)purchase decisions," International Review of Finance, International Review of Finance Ltd., vol. 23(2), pages 301-316, June.
    2. Moeeni , Shahram & Tayebi , Komeil, 2018. "Is It Necessary to Restrict Forex Financial Trading? A Modified Model," Journal of Money and Economy, Monetary and Banking Research Institute, Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, vol. 13(1), pages 63-80, January.
    3. Baeckström, Ylva & Tosun, Onur Kemal & Riefler, Raul, 2024. "Wealth as a moderating effect on gender differences in portfolio holdings," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    4. Richards, Daniel W. & Willows, Gizelle D., 2019. "Monday mornings: Individual investor trading on days of the week and times within a day," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 105-115.
    5. Brettschneider, Julia & Burro, Giovanni & Henderson, Vicky, 2021. "Wide framing disposition effect: An empirical study," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 330-347.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trading frequency; Gender; Age; Trading medium;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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