Factors Affecting Investment Decision Making of Equity Fund Managers

Abstract

Traditional theories of finance assume that investors use all available information and make rational investment decision but in reality the scenario is different. Based upon the growing importance of behavioral finance the present study is an attempt to investigate the effect of behavioral factors such as heuristics, risk aversion, use of financial tools and firm level corporate governance on the decision making of equity fund managers of Pakistan. The study collected response from 327 equity fund managers of insurance companies, commercial banks, and equity investment companies applying stratified random sampling technique. The results of the study demonstrate that a positive and significant relationship exist among heuristics, use of financial tools, risk aversion, firm-level corporate governance, and investment decision making. The results further demonstrate that firm-level corporate governance plays a pivotal role and is an important factor affecting investment decision making. Equity fund managers of institutions apply heuristics and financial tools while formulating their decisions. Equity fund managers of institutions are also found to be risk averse. Regulatory authorities and stock exchanges may use the results of the study. Regulatory authorities and exchanges may also use the results to create awareness by educating investors about the importance of behavioral factor and firm-level corporate governance. It may help to increase investors’ confidence.

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