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Defined benefit or defined contribution?: An empirical study of pension choices

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  • Cocco, Joao F.
  • Lopes, Paula

Abstract

We empirically study individual pension choice between two different defined benefit (DB) plans and a defined contribution (DC) plan. The DB plans differ in their contribution rates and in the way retirement benefits are calculated, as a proportion of final salary or as a proportion of lifetime earnings. We relate labor income characteristics to the choice of pension plan. Among other determinants of pension choice, we find that: (i) individuals who face higher income growth are more likely to choose DB final salary plans, and less likely to choose the DC plan; (ii) individuals who face higher earnings volatility are less likely to choose DB final salary plans; (iii) individuals with higher earnings are more likely to choose either the DC or the DB final salary plan. These results constitute evidence of self selection of individuals into different pension plans, an important issue for pension fund providers and for those involved in pension reform.

Suggested Citation

  • Cocco, Joao F. & Lopes, Paula, 2004. "Defined benefit or defined contribution?: An empirical study of pension choices," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 24751, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:24751
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Steinberger, 2005. "Pension benefit default risk and welfare effects of funding regulation," CSEF Working Papers 147, Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance (CSEF), University of Naples, Italy.
    2. Inkmann, Joachim, 2006. "Compensating wage differentials for defined benefit and defined contribution occupational pension scheme benefits," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 24516, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Haynes, Jonathan B. & Sessions, John G., 2013. "Work now, pay later? An empirical analysis of the pension–pay trade off," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 835-843.
    4. An Chen & Filip Uzelac, 2015. "Portability, Salary and Asset Price Risk: A Continuous-Time Expected Utility Comparison of DB and DC Pension Plans," Risks, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-26, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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