What Drives the Disposition Effect? An Analysis of a Long‐Standing Preference‐Based Explanation

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Finance
Year: 2009
Volume: 64
Issue: 2
Pages: 751-784

Authors (2)

NICHOLAS BARBERIS (not in RePEc) WEI XIONG (Princeton University)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We investigate whether prospect theory preferences can predict a disposition effect. We consider two implementations of prospect theory: in one case, preferences are defined over annual gains and losses; in the other, they are defined over realized gains and losses. Surprisingly, the annual gain/loss model often fails to predict a disposition effect. The realized gain/loss model, however, predicts a disposition effect more reliably. Utility from realized gains and losses may therefore be a useful way of thinking about certain aspects of individual investor trading.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jfinan:v:64:y:2009:i:2:p:751-784
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29