Stockholding in Spain

Abstract

This paper explores the stock holdings of Spanish households. As found for other developed countries, the major part of Spanish households does not participate in the stock market. We analyse the impact that entry costs can have in this decision by looking at how wealth, education and a series of other characteristics affect the probability of households owning stock. We also look at a sample of highly 'sophisticated' households from which we should expect full participation in the stock market. Lastly, we analyse how the decision to hold stocks is related to the decision of holding safe assets, housing, businesses, pension plans and consumer debt. © 2013 The Author(s).