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Household portfolio allocation, uncertainty, and risk

Author

Listed:
  • Brown, Sarah
  • Gray, Daniel
  • Harris, Mark N.
  • Spencer, Christopher

Abstract

Analysing the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Health and Retirement Study, we investigate the extent to which US households reduce their financial risk exposure when confronted with background risk. Our novel modelling approach – termed a deflated ordered fractional model – quantifies how the overall composition of a household portfolio with three asset classes adjusts with background risk, and is unique in recovering for any given risky asset class the shares that are reallocated to each safer asset category. Background risk exerts a significant impact on household portfolios, inducing a ‘flight from risk’ from riskier to safer assets.

Suggested Citation

  • Brown, Sarah & Gray, Daniel & Harris, Mark N. & Spencer, Christopher, 2021. "Household portfolio allocation, uncertainty, and risk," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 96-117.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:empfin:v:63:y:2021:i:c:p:96-117
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jempfin.2021.05.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Applied econometrics; Asset allocation; Background risk; Fractional models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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