Category Archives: Finance & Insurance

Whether we view it as an instrument or driver of our economy, the financial system reflects the world’s state of health. Understanding how it works, its complexity but also its vulnerability and the risks it generates helps political decision-makers and key players in the system to anticipate better and plan for the future more effectively.

Economy & Society, Finance & Insurance, Short Research Stories

Wealth inequality: Parental influence on attitudes to financial risk taking

The Issue

Wealth inequality is a major global issue – the richest 10% of the world’s’ population hold some 75% of all wealth. One important factor is stock market participation. Over time and on average, stock market investors, long term holders of index tracker funds for example, end up wealthier than those who put their money on deposit. Yet, despite the proven benefits, many people are reluctant to invest in the stock market.

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Finance & Insurance, Short Research Stories, Technology

How much of a risk are we taking with smart homes?

The Issue – How do smart technologies create or alter risks in the home

Smart homes may sound exciting with new technologies enabling devices that can cover everything from automated climate and lighting to virtual assistants, fridges that restock themselves and access controlled remotely via an app. But smart homes may also create new risks alongside the benefits they bring.

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Finance & Insurance

Small numbers, larger mistakes: How number bias affects investor information

Advice and information provided by stock analysts, such as target prices and recommendations, have a powerful influence on investor decisions. However, new research shows that the way the human mind processes numbers means that analyst forecasts are frequently inaccurate when compared with eventual outcomes.

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