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Borrowing Constraints, Portfolio Choice and Precautionary Motives: Theoretical Predictions and Empirical Complications

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  • Michael Haliassos

    (University of Cyprus)

  • Christis Hassapis

    (University of Cyprus)

Abstract

This paper studies the effects of two classes of borrowing constraints, collateral and income based, on wealth accumulation, portfolio behavior, and precautionary motives. We examine the sensitivity of solutions to the tightness of constraints, education levels, and preference parameters. The models are calibrated using the 1992 Survey of Consumer Finances. Our findings may help explain the failure of recent empirical studies to uncover sizable precautionary effects on wealth and on portfolio composition.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Haliassos & Christis Hassapis, 1999. "Borrowing Constraints, Portfolio Choice and Precautionary Motives: Theoretical Predictions and Empirical Complications," Computing in Economics and Finance 1999 1341, Society for Computational Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:sce:scecf9:1341
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    Cited by:

    1. Haliassos, Michael & Hassapis, Christis, 2001. "Non-expected Utility, Saving and Portfolios," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 111(468), pages 69-102, January.
    2. Michael Haliassos & Alexander Michaelides, 2003. "Portfolio Choice and Liquidity Constraints," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 44(1), pages 143-177, February.
    3. Perraudin, William R. M. & Sorensen, Bent E., 2000. "The demand for risky assets: Sample selection and household portfolios," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 97(1), pages 117-144, July.
    4. Schaeck, Klaus & Kick, Thomas & Onali, Enrico & Ruprecht, Benedikt, 2014. "Wealth shocks, credit-supply shocks, and asset allocation: evidence from household and firm portfolios," Working Paper Series 1662, European Central Bank.
    5. Francesc Obiols-Homs, 2011. "On borrowing limits and welfare," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 14(2), pages 279-294, April.
    6. Stefano Iezzi, 2008. "Investors' risk attitude and risky behavior: a Bayesian approach with imperfect information," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 692, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth

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