Risk Attitudes and Personality Traits Among Investors in Funds

Abstract

How do an investor’s thoughts and feelings influence their behavior? Financial institutions must assess the risk attitudes of investors to ensure investors are being recommended appropriate financial products. This study is a further examination into whether risk attitudes are correlated with personality traits and to determine the risk attitudes of investors from different backgrounds. The risk attitudes of investors were examined according to the Big Five personality traits. Investor personality traits were linked to their investment decisions and risk attitudes. Differences in risk attitudes between investors from different backgrounds were also explored. A questionnaire survey was administered. Investors with fund investment experience were recruited. Correlations were observed between the Big Five personality traits and risk attitudes. Extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to new experiences were positively correlated with risk attitudes, and neuroticism was inversely correlated with risk attitudes. These results indicated direct relationships between the Big Five personality traits and risk attitudes. This study also revealed significant differences in risk preferences between gender, marital status, discretionary budget, fund investment experience, and risk profile. The study results provide a broader reference for establishing investment risk profile charts that integrate personality traits into behavioral finance models in financial practices.