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Preferences over wealth

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian Gechert
  • Jan Siebert

Abstract

Preferences over wealth can explain why households do not spend more when real interest rates fall, because they save more than optimal under a standard model. However, little is known about preferences over wealth empirically. We run an intentionally simple lab experiment on intertemporal spending and saving decisions with 180 students. Under a positive discount factor, zero interest and linear utility, maximizing behaviour would imply spending any funds instantaneously. While half of the participants behave optimally, we find a robust pattern where participants on average form and maintain a stock of wealth, consistent with wealth entering the utility function directly.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Gechert & Jan Siebert, 2019. "Preferences over wealth," IMK Working Paper 200-2019, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:imk:wpaper:200-2019
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    File URL: http://www.boeckler.de/pdf/p_imk_wp_200_2019.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    consumption; saving motives; wealth; experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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