We conduct controlled experiments in order to analyze individual trading behavior. Our results suggest that investors measure their gains relative to their initial wealth, and that this reference point together with past stock price changes determine the portfolio choices. Subjects choose a...

The prospect theory of Kahneman and Tversky (1979) and the cumulative prospect theory of Tversky and Kahneman (1992) are descriptive models for decision making that summarize several violations of the expected utility theory. This paper gives a survey of applications of prospect theory to the...

In the experimental scenario several agents repeatedly invest in n (n _ 2)state-specic assets. The evolutionarily stable and equilibrium (Blume andEasley, 1992) portfolio for this situation requires to distribute funds accordingto the constant probabilities of the various states. The dierent...

We experimentally test overconfidence in investment decisions by offering participants the possibility to substitute their own for alternative investment choices.Overall, 149 subjects participated in two experiments, one with just one risky asset, the other with two risky assets. Overconfidence...

This paper focuses on egocentric biases in financial decisions. Subjects first designa portfolio, whereby each combination of assets yields the same expected returnand variance of returns. They are then confronted with two alternative portfolios;the average portfolio and the portfolio of one’s...

We investigate an experimental representatives' trust game which resembles trust relationships between representatives of organisations. Personality traits of subjects are elicited by a personality questionnaire (Cattell's 16 PF-R) which is well established in personnel psychology. Linking the...

Die strategische Asset Allokation ist die für den langfristigen Anlageerfolg wichtigste Entscheidungeines Kapitalanlegers. Eine fundierte Entscheidung erfordert einen mehrstufigen,strukturierten Prozess. Der Anleger muss sich mit den realistischen Chancen des Kapitalmarktesund mit seinen...

In this paper the authors experimentally test overconfidence in investment decisions by ordering participants the possibility to substitute their own for alternative investment choices.

This paper focuses on egocentric biases in financial decisions. Subjects first design a portfolio, whereby each combination of assets yields the same expected return and variance of returns. (...)