Chinese Urban Households’ Security Market Participation: Does Investment Knowledge and Having a Long-Term Plan Help?

Abstract

Investment in the securities markets is vital to households’ wealth accumulation and financial security. Using data from the 2008 Survey of Chinese Consumer Finance and Investor Education, we found that self-assessed investment knowledge and having a long-term financial plan were positively associated with Chinese households' participation in the securities markets. The findings provide insight into the long-term financial security of Chinese households. Given the growing middle class and the rapid development of the financial markets in China, the Chinese financial planning industry is likely to grow substantially in the coming years.

Keywords: China, financial capability, financial planning, investment decisions