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Domain-dependent diversification: The influence of gain–loss domain on correlation choice

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  • Borsboom, Charlotte
  • Duxbury, Darren
  • Nieber, Alexander
  • Zeisberger, Stefan

Abstract

Despite compelling evidence of widespread gain–loss-domain-dependent behavior, research on domain-dependent diversification is scarce. We recruited 251 experienced US retail investors to participate in a controlled experiment with the task to select portfolios that differ in asset correlation and, hence, diversification benefits in both the gain and the loss domain. We find evidence of domain-dependent diversification, both unconditional and conditional on benchmark portfolio preferences. Consistent with a loss-attention hypothesis, diversification errors are not observed in the loss domain but are clearly present in the gain domain (with much lower diversification relative to the benchmark).

Suggested Citation

  • Borsboom, Charlotte & Duxbury, Darren & Nieber, Alexander & Zeisberger, Stefan, 2024. "Domain-dependent diversification: The influence of gain–loss domain on correlation choice," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:227:y:2024:i:c:s0167268124002774
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106681
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Behavioral economics; Experimental finance; Diversification; Domain dependency; Correlation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D18 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Protection
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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