Does financial literacy alleviate risk attitude and risk behavior inconsistency?

This study investigates the relationship between risk preference and risk behavior using the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS). Empirical results suggest the existence of an inconsistency between risk preference and risk behavior; however, financial literacy affects this inconsistency. Financial literacy works through two channels. First, it can decrease the inconsistency between risk propensity and risk behavior. Second, it can encourage risk-taking behavior. The results also show that the heterogeneity in the risk sensitivity of households leads to different outcomes. Namely, financial literacy increases the inconsistency for the risk-averse and decreases it for the risk-seeking by increasing risk-taking behavior.