Heterogeneity in optimal investment and drawdown strategies in retirement

Abstract

We investigate optimal investment and drawdown strategies in retirement and show that the asset mix and drawdown strategy vary significantly with preferences and other retiree attributes. Loss aversion preferences lead to hedging strategies to secure the target consumption through use of immediate life and deferred life annuities, asset allocation and drawdown decisions. Risk aversion preferences lead to use of annuities to smooth and set a minimum level of consumption, with the strategies adopted varying with risk aversion. Welfare gains are more dependent on annuitisation decisions under loss aversion, and drawdown levels under risk aversion. A means-tested and government-provided Age Pension influences decisions of the risk averse but not the loss averse retiree.