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Understanding the heterogeneity of savings and asset allocation: A behavioral-economics perspective

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  • Binswanger, Johannes

Abstract

Why do saving rates and the proportion of savings invested in stocks substantially increase with income? This paper sheds light on this question from the perspective of a new bounded-rationality life cycle model. It has been shown elsewhere that this model is better than existing ones at predicting how savings and asset allocation choices vary over the life cycle. In this paper it is shown that a very simple version of the same model also allows for a better understanding of the variation in savings and asset allocation choices across income groups.

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  • Binswanger, Johannes, 2010. "Understanding the heterogeneity of savings and asset allocation: A behavioral-economics perspective," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 76(2), pages 296-317, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:76:y:2010:i:2:p:296-317
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    Cited by:

    1. Brounen, Dirk & Koedijk, Kees G. & Pownall, Rachel A.J., 2016. "Household financial planning and savings behavior," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 95-107.
    2. Binswanger, J., 2010. "Towards Understanding Life Cycle Savings of Boundedly Rational Agents : A Model with Feasibility Goals (Revision of DP 2008-14)," Discussion Paper 2010-138, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    3. Binswanger, Johannes, 2012. "Life cycle saving: Insights from the perspective of bounded rationality," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 56(3), pages 605-623.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Behavioral economics Bounded rationality Income heterogeneity Life cycle saving Portfolio choice Stock market participation;

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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