Investor risk tolerance and general economic mood

Abstract

This paper examines whether there is a relationship between investor risk tolerance and general economic mood in the Australian context. Utilising suitable measures for the two constructs and controlling for the effects of demographic variables on investor risk tolerance, OLS regression analysis of a large dataset of investor risk tolerance scores over a time period indicates the absence of a relationship with general economic mood. T-tests comparing risk tolerance scores during optimistic and pessimistic months and during months preceded by positive and negative sharemarket returns validate the above conclusion. Implications on investment and personal financial planning advice as well as future areas for research are discussed.