Financial Literacy, Risk Tolerance and Stock Market Participation

Abstract

This study explores how households’ stock market investment decisions are influenced by self-assessed financial literacy, investment awareness, risk propensity and socio-economic characteristics. This study used national survey data of Indian households across the country, a survey conducted by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) to get a comprehensive view of households’ characteristics, behaviour and investment patterns. The results of logistic regression indicate that individual having more risk tolerance, financial literacy, and investment awareness significantly influences the stock market investment decisions. ANOVA results indicate the significant difference among different groups of responding households according to age, education, zone, saving, debt, and income level while no significant difference found in level of stock market participation based on gender, occupation, and marital status. The results also validate the usefulness of financial education programme for enhancing the financial awareness among households that positively impacts the investment decision regarding stock market investments.