Passive vs active robo-advisors and disposition effect. Moderating role of gender and financial literacy

Abstract

The study examines links between automated advisory services and irrational individual investors’ behaviour based on dual-process theory. The study contributes to the literature on active vs. passive digital nudges in robo-advisors and the disposition effect. Self-reporting online experiment revealed that robo-advisors help investors to resolve cognitive dissonance, with passive robo-advisors being more efficient. We contribute by introducing and indicating the moderating role of financial literacy. Though moderating feminine gender role was not supported, the need for customized automated advisory services is highlighted. The results are important for individual welfare, as demographic shifts and evolving retirement systems transfer investment decisions to individuals.

Keywords

• Robo-advisors
• disposition effect
• dual process theory
• financial literacy
• gender role
• C99