On the determinants of portfolio choice

This paper jointly analyzes traditional and behavioral concepts in a simple experimental setting which allows for the assessment of the relative importance of each factor and their joint behavior. Various hypotheses are tested in three portfolio choice models. Markowitz [Markowitz, H., 1952. Portfolio selection. Journal of Finance 7, 77-92] findings are analyzed and extended by behavioral concepts and, socio-demographic variables. Models are expressed as conjoint choice models represented by a multinomial logit model. Data is collected in an experimental setting. We show that the level of the risk-free rate, an individual's risk aversion, market sentiment, self-assessed financial expertise, age and gender are determining factors of portfolio choice. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.