Influence of the biological age of the investor on decision-making in the secondary equity market

Purpose - Decision-making in the equity market has been a challenging task for investors belonging to all age groups. This study aims to find linkages between the decision-making techniques in the equity market and the biological age of the investor. Design/methodology/approach - This is an exploratory study and by surveying a sample of 436 secondary equity investors residing in the Chennai region of India, the study measured the decision-making techniques. Using the ANOVA test, the decision-making technique mostly used by investors belonging to an age category was determined. Further, the linkages were investigated in isolation for the male and female investors. By using regression analysis, a model was developed to predict the actual equity return. The financial characteristics of the various age groups were also analyzed using cross-tabulation. Findings - The results of the study show that the age of the investor plays an important role in the choice of decision-making technique used. The younger investors, who earn the lowest returns were less likely to use industry analysis but more likely to use technical analysis and advocate’s recommendation. Specifically, the younger male investors were less likely to use industry analysis and more likely to use the advocate’s recommendation. The younger female investors were also less likely to use industry analysis. The middle-aged respondents, who earn the highest return were less likely to use technical analysis and advocate’s recommendation owing to lower means. Specifically, the middle-aged male investors were less likely to use the advocate’s recommendation and technical analysis. Then, middle-aged female investors were more likely to use industry analysis. Originality/value - The findings would be beneficial for financial advisors and wealth managers to suggest age-appropriate strategies for the various investor groups. This age-based profiling of investors would make investors aware of their decision-making techniques and encourage them to make more rational decisions.