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Who lost the most? Financial literacy, cognitive abilities, and the financial crisis

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  • Bucher-Koenen, Tabea
  • Ziegelmeyer, Michael

Abstract

We study how and to what extent private households are affected by the recent financial crisis and how their financial decisions are influenced by this shock. Our analysis reveals that individuals with low levels of financial literacy are less likely to have invested in the stock market and thus are less likely to report losses in wealth. Yet, individuals with low financial literacy are more likely to sell their assets which lost in value (realize losses). This reaction to short-term losses has potential long-term consequences if individuals do not participate in markets' recovery and face lower returns in the long run. JEL Classification: D91, D14, G11

Suggested Citation

  • Bucher-Koenen, Tabea & Ziegelmeyer, Michael, 2011. "Who lost the most? Financial literacy, cognitive abilities, and the financial crisis," Working Paper Series 1299, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20111299
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cognitive ability; financial crisis; financial literacy; life-cycle savings; portfolio choice; saving behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

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

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