Risk Perceptions Of Individual Vs. Institutional Investors: A Comparison Based On The Johannesburg Stock Exchange

Abstract

This paper examines risk at the individual, as opposed to the market, level. By means of questionnaires, individuals’ risk perceptions are collected and then correlated with other measures of risk. The survey was conducted for individual investors and investment analysis in order to determine if appreciable differences exist between the two sets of respondents. The results are consistent with previous research which suggests that investors consider total risk in their share assessments. The evidence also indicates no significant differences in the risk perceptions of investors vs. those of analysts.