Investment Knowledge, Risk Tolerance, and Factors Influencing Investment Decisions among Intergenerational Investors

This study addresses a gap in understanding how investment knowledge and risk tolerance differ across generations and influence investment decisions. While earlier research of Finke & Huston (2014) emphasized the importance of intergenerational investing, they did not fully explore how risk tolerance evolves or how demographic profiles such as sex, gross monthly income, and educational attainment may influence it. This study aimed to bridge that gap, contributing to the academic understanding of investor behavior in the current financial environment. It investigated intergenerational investors' investment knowledge level regarding investment products’ purpose, return, and risk. It also assessed the degree of risk tolerance of the participants when grouped according to sex, generation, gross monthly income, and educational attainment. Additionally, the study examined the extent to which factors influence investment decisions. A descriptive-correlational research methodology was employed. A researcher-developed questionnaire, which underwent validity and reliability tests, was administered to 60 investors from various generations in selected financial and governmental institutions in Bacolod City. Participants were chosen through purposive quota sampling. The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis U test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho. Results revealed a high level of investment knowledge and a moderate risk tolerance. Significant differences in the degree of risk tolerance were found when grouped by generation. The extent of factors influencing investment decisions was generally high, with significant differences observed when grouped by sex, generation, and income. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the level of investment knowledge and the extent of factors influencing investment decisions. These findings provide insights into several generations' investment knowledge, risk assessment, and decision-making approaches, emphasizing patterns influenced by socioeconomic characteristics, educational background, financial exposure, and generational experiences. The study underscores the need for targeted financial education and investment strategies considering generational differences.