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Individual investors and social ownership structures in the UK before the 1930s: Joint holdings and trustee investment

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  • Janette Rutterford
  • Dimitris P. Sotiropoulos
  • Carry van Lieshout

Abstract

After the introduction of limited liability, a growing number of individuals in Britain from a widening social spectrum, including the less affluent, began to own stocks and shares. Drawing upon a unique and large dataset of 35 848 investors between 1870 and 1935, this study analyses joint holdings which have been a neglected aspect of investor behaviour. Our findings reveal that joint holdings were quite common and that about one in five UK investors were involved in a joint investment. Men were more likely to be joint holders than women for reasons related to institutions of social ownership such as trusts and executorships.

Suggested Citation

  • Janette Rutterford & Dimitris P. Sotiropoulos & Carry van Lieshout, 2023. "Individual investors and social ownership structures in the UK before the 1930s: Joint holdings and trustee investment," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 76(2), pages 661-692, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ehsrev:v:76:y:2023:i:2:p:661-692
    DOI: 10.1111/ehr.13197
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    References listed on IDEAS

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