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THE IMPACT OF BEHAVIOURAL BIASES ON TRADE RETURN, MODERATING ROLE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY AND LOCUS OF CONTROL.


Article Information

Title: THE IMPACT OF BEHAVIOURAL BIASES ON TRADE RETURN, MODERATING ROLE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY AND LOCUS OF CONTROL.

Authors: Abdul Waheed Khan, Naveed, Aamir Ullah

Journal: Social Science Review Archives

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31

Publisher: Divine Knowledge Institute

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 2

Issue: 2

Language: English

Keywords: Financial LiteracyLocus of ControlMental Accountingoverconfidenceloss aversionanchoringherding representativenesstrade return

Categories

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the effect of behavioral biases like herding bias, mental accounting bias, overconfidence bias, loss aversion bias, anchoring bias and representativeness bias on the investment trade return of the investors with moderating role of financial literacy and locus of control. For testing the hypotheses, finding answers to the research questions and achieving research objectives the methodology of study consists of positivist philosophical stance, quantitative and deductive approach. The population of the study includes the stock market participants of KPK. The sample size consists of 600 respondents using Gpower. But the whole 600 questionnaires were not received back in good standing, only 353 respondents has been analyzed. The sampling techniques were stratified random sampling, the data was primary, collected through questionnaires (adopted) from investors. The analysis techniques for model fitness were factor loading and cross-loading, for assessing the construct validity and reliability Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and for composite reliability, the Cronbach’s Alpha, for discriminant validity. The Fornell-Larcker Criterion and Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT) and for multicollinearity statistics Variance inflated factor (VIF). The descriptive statistics were used to answer the first research question, assess in achieving objective one and testing the first hypothesis. The structural model was used to answer the remaining research questions, achieving the rest of the objectives except the first one and testing the hypotheses. Findings of the research reveals that all investors incorporate all independent variables except herding behavior in their investment decision. Further there is a strong impact of mental accounting, overconfidence, loss aversion, anchoring and representativeness on the investment returns of investors and the financial literacy and locus of control moderate the association among variables. However, financial literacy doesn’t impact between herding and trade return and locus of control negatively impacting between anchoring and trade return, loss aversion and trade return, and mental accounting and trade return. Based on result, it can be recommended that investors should increase financial literacy and locus of control as it would make their investment decision more accurate. Further, the government should devise proper measures for boosting financial literacy of investors for smooth and positive operation of the stock market to accelerate economic growth.


Research Objective

To examine the effect of behavioral biases (herding bias, mental accounting bias, overconfidence bias, loss aversion bias, anchoring bias, and representativeness bias) on investment trade return, with the moderating role of financial literacy and locus of control.


Methodology

The study employed a positivist philosophical stance, a quantitative and deductive approach. Data was collected from 353 stock market participants in KPK through questionnaires. Analysis involved factor loading, cross-loading, Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Cronbach's Alpha, Fornell-Larcker Criterion, Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT), Variance Inflated Factor (VIF), descriptive statistics, and structural modeling with a 500-bootstrap iteration analysis.

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD
    A["Define Research Problem & Objectives"] --> B["Literature Review"];
    B --> C["Develop Hypotheses"];
    C --> D["Design Research Methodology"];
    D --> E["Data Collection Questionnaires"];
    E --> F["Data Analysis Measurement Model"];
    F --> G["Data Analysis Structural Model"];
    G --> H["Interpret Results"];
    H --> I["Draw Conclusions & Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study's findings suggest that while behavioral biases are prevalent among investors, financial literacy and locus of control can mitigate their negative impact on investment decisions and trade returns. The research highlights the limitations of traditional finance theories that assume rational investors and emphasizes the importance of psychological factors in financial decision-making.


Key Findings

All independent variables, except herding behavior, significantly impact investment trade returns. Mental accounting, overconfidence, loss aversion, anchoring, and representativeness have a strong impact. Financial literacy and locus of control moderate the association among these variables. However, financial literacy does not moderate the relationship between herding and trade return, and locus of control negatively moderates the relationship between anchoring, loss aversion, mental accounting, and trade return.


Conclusion

Individual investors in KPK are prone to investment biases, but financial literacy and locus of control offer an effective means of moderating or even eliminating the impact of these biases on investment decisions in the stock market.


Fact Check

1. Sample Size: The study aimed for a sample size of 600 respondents, but only 353 questionnaires were received back in good standing and analyzed.
2. VIF Values: All Variance Inflated Factor (VIF) values for both outer and inner models were less than 3, indicating no multicollinearity issues.
3. Moderating Effect: Financial literacy was found to have no moderating relationship with herding and trade return.


Mind Map

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