Investment Knowledge, Risk Tolerance, and Factors Influencing Investment Decisions among Intergenerational Investors
Ashna A. Rehmat | Ma. Fara J. Magada
Discipline: business and management (non-specific)
Abstract:
This study addresses a gap in understanding how investment knowledge and risk tolerance
differ across generations and influence investment decisions. While earlier research of Finke & Huston
(2014) emphasized the importance of intergenerational investing, they did not fully explore how risk
tolerance evolves or how demographic profiles such as sex, gross monthly income, and educational
attainment may influence it. This study aimed to bridge that gap, contributing to the academic
understanding of investor behavior in the current financial environment. It investigated intergenerational
investors' investment knowledge level regarding investment products’ purpose, return, and risk. It also
assessed the degree of risk tolerance of the participants when grouped according to sex, generation, gross
monthly income, and educational attainment. Additionally, the study examined the extent to which factors
influence investment decisions. A descriptive-correlational research methodology was employed. A
researcher-developed questionnaire, which underwent validity and reliability tests, was administered to 60
investors from various generations in selected financial and governmental institutions in Bacolod City.
Participants were chosen through purposive quota sampling. The data collected were analyzed using
mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis U test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho. Results
revealed a high level of investment knowledge and a moderate risk tolerance. Significant differences in the
degree of risk tolerance were found when grouped by generation. The extent of factors influencing
investment decisions was generally high, with significant differences observed when grouped by sex,
generation, and income. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the level of investment
knowledge and the extent of factors influencing investment decisions. These findings provide insights into
several generations' investment knowledge, risk assessment, and decision-making approaches,
emphasizing patterns influenced by socioeconomic characteristics, educational background, financial
exposure, and generational experiences. The study underscores the need for targeted financial education
and investment strategies considering generational differences.
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