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Attention and Biases: Evidence from Tax-Inattentive Investors

Author

Listed:
  • Birru, Justin

    (Ohio State University (OSU) - Department of Finance)

  • Chague, Fernando

    (Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) - Sao Paulo School of Economics)

  • De-Losso, Rodrigo

    (University of São Paulo (USP) - Department of Economics)

  • Giovannetti, Bruno

    (Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) - Sao Paulo School of Economics)

Abstract

We provide evidence of investor inattention to a very simple and well-known tax-exemption opportunity in the Brazilian stock market. Attentive and inattentive investors are similar along the dimensions of portfolio size and number of trades, but inattentive investors exhibit stronger behavioral biases and worse trading performance. The results hold even among high-activity investors who trade large volumes. The results are consistent with inattention being a common cause of behavioral biases.

Suggested Citation

  • Birru, Justin & Chague, Fernando & De-Losso, Rodrigo & Giovannetti, Bruno, 2019. "Attention and Biases: Evidence from Tax-Inattentive Investors," Working Paper Series 2019-22, Ohio State University, Charles A. Dice Center for Research in Financial Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:ohidic:2019-22
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G40 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - General
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household

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