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Attention and biases: evidence from tax-inattentive investors

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Listed:
  • Birru, Justin
  • Chague, Fernando
  • De-Losso, Rodrigo
  • Giovannetti, Bruno Cara

Abstract

Using bunching induced by a policy notch for identfication, wefirst provide evidence of investor inattention to a very simple and well-known capital-gains tax exemption in the Brazilian stock market. We then show that tax-inattentive investors exhibit stronger behavioral biases and worse trading performance, even after controlling for several investor-level variables such as trading experience, observed performance, financial sophistication, age, and occupation. This is consistent with inattention being a common source of behavioral biases.

Suggested Citation

  • Birru, Justin & Chague, Fernando & De-Losso, Rodrigo & Giovannetti, Bruno Cara, 2020. "Attention and biases: evidence from tax-inattentive investors," Textos para discussão 523, FGV EESP - Escola de Economia de São Paulo, Fundação Getulio Vargas (Brazil).
    • Handle: RePEc:fgv:eesptd:523
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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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