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The Effect of Dividends on Consumption

Author

Listed:
  • Malcolm Baker

    (Harvard University)

  • Stefan Nagel

    (Stanford University)

  • Jeffrey Wurgler

    (New York University)

Abstract

In classical models the division of stock returns into dividends and capital gains has no "real" consequence for investor consumption. This paper, using two micro data sets that provide cross-sectional variation in dividend receipts and capital gains, empirically measures the effect of dividends on investor consumption. Analysis of data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey indicates that household consumption is particularly sensitive to realized dividend income, when one controls for total portfolio returns including dividends. Analysis of data from a discount brokerage shows that dividends are withdrawn from household portfolios at a much higher rate than capital gains, further suggesting that the form of returns matters for consumption and that investors pursue a mental accounting strategy to "consume income, not principal." Finally, the paper discusses what these estimates imply for the response of aggregate consumption to the May 2003 dividend tax cuts in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Malcolm Baker & Stefan Nagel & Jeffrey Wurgler, 2007. "The Effect of Dividends on Consumption," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 38(1), pages 231-292.
    • Handle: RePEc:bin:bpeajo:v:38:y:2007:i:2007-1:p:231-292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dividends; consumption; macroeconomics; capital gains;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • 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
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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