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Risk Aversion in a Dynamic Asset Allocation Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Brocas, Isabelle
  • Carrillo, Juan D.
  • Giga, Aleksandar
  • Zapatero, Fernando

Abstract

We conduct a controlled laboratory experiment in the spirit of Merton (1971), in which subjects dynamically choose their portfolio allocation between a risk-free and risky asset. Using the optimal allocation of an investor with hyperbolic absolute risk aversion (HARA) utility, we fit the experimental choices to characterize the risk profile of our participants. Despite substantial heterogeneity, decreasing absolute risk aversion and increasing relative risk aversion are the predominant types. We also find some evidence of increased risk taking after a gain. Finally, the session level risk attitudes show a different profile than the individual descriptions of risk attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Brocas, Isabelle & Carrillo, Juan D. & Giga, Aleksandar & Zapatero, Fernando, 2019. "Risk Aversion in a Dynamic Asset Allocation Experiment," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 54(5), pages 2209-2232, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jfinqa:v:54:y:2019:i:05:p:2209-2232_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Lauterbach, Beni & Mugerman, Yevgeny & Shemesh, Joshua, 2024. "Prospect theory in M&A: Do historical purchase prices affect merger offer premiums and announcement returns?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 42(C).
    2. Thorsten Moenig & Nan Zhu, 2025. "Adverse selection in tontines," The Geneva Risk and Insurance Review, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics (The Geneva Association), vol. 50(1), pages 6-38, March.
    3. Moshe Levy, 2025. "Relative risk aversion must be close to 1," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 346(1), pages 127-135, March.
    4. Hwang, Hae-shin & Jindapon, Paan, 2020. "Market making with convex quotes," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
    5. Mulligan, Karen & Baid, Drishti & Doctor, Jason N. & Phelps, Charles E. & Lakdawalla, Darius N., 2024. "Risk preferences over health: Empirical estimates and implications for medical decision-making," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    6. Wang, Lina & Zhang, Haiyang, 2026. "Digital infrastructure, risky financial investment, and household wealth," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    7. Yang, Cheng & Wang, Jie & Liu, Xiaoyu, 2024. "What affects the financial asset allocation of the elderly? From the perspective of financial literacy and risk attitude," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    8. Robert Zeithammer, 2025. "Satiation-Based Theory of Frugal Materialism," Decision Analysis, INFORMS, vol. 22(1), pages 30-43, March.
    9. Chen Su, 2021. "A comprehensive investigation into style momentum strategies in China," Financial Markets and Portfolio Management, Springer;Swiss Society for Financial Market Research, vol. 35(1), pages 101-144, March.
    10. Sungchang Kang & Jeongseok Bang & Doojin Ryu, 2024. "Female CEOs’ risk management and earnings performance during the financial crisis," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 23(1), pages 110-138, February.
    11. Anufriev, Mikhail & Bao, Te & Sutan, Angela & Tuinstra, Jan, 2019. "Fee structure and mutual fund choice: An experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 449-474.
    12. De Giorgi, Enrico & Omar, Askhat & Post, Thierry, 2025. "Mental framing effects in dynamic portfolio choice," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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