Research Details

Abstract

We study the effect that a general lack of trust can have on stock market participation. In deciding whether to buy stocks, investors factor in the risk of being cheated. The perception of this risk is a function of the objective characteristics of the stocks and the subjective characteristics of the investor. Less trusting individuals are less likely to buy stock and, conditional on buying stock, they will buy less. In Dutch and Italian micro data, as well as in cross-country data, we find evidence consistent with lack of trust being an important factor in explaining the limited participation puzzle.

Type

Article

Author(s)

Luigi Guiso, Paola Sapienza, Luigi Zingales

Date Published

2008

Citations

Guiso, Luigi, Paola Sapienza, and Luigi Zingales. 2008. Trusting the Stock Market. Journal of Finance. 63(6): 2557-2600.

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