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Social interaction, Internet access and stock market participation—An empirical study in China

Author

Listed:
  • Liang, Pinghan
  • Guo, Shiqi
Abstract
Social interaction plays an important role in transmitting relevant information to potential investors. However, the informational role of social interaction might be affected by other information channels, which is to a large extent ignored in previous studies. Using a national representative household finance survey data covering more than 8000 Chinese households, we demonstrate that social interaction alone positively affects household stock market participation, but Internet access mitigates the influence of social interaction. In particular, among households with the access to Internet, sociable households in effect are associated with a 6 percentage-point decrease in the probability to participate in the stock market. This finding supports the substitution between Internet access and social interaction as information channels. Moreover, we also identify the social multiplier effect of social interaction: sociable households living in the communities with higher stock market participation rate are more likely to invest in stocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang, Pinghan & Guo, Shiqi, 2015. "Social interaction, Internet access and stock market participation—An empirical study in China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 883-901.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:43:y:2015:i:4:p:883-901
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2015.02.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social interaction; Internet access; Information; Stock market participation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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