Journal of Finance and Economics
ISSN (Print): 2328-7284 ISSN (Online): 2328-7276 Website: https://www.sciepub.com/journal/jfe Editor-in-chief: Suman Banerjee
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Journal of Finance and Economics. 2018, 6(4), 125-133
DOI: 10.12691/jfe-6-4-2
Open AccessSpecial Issue

Explaining Why Retirees Do Not Choose Annuities in Korea: A Probability of Consumption Shortfall Approach

Dong-Hwa Lee1, Jun-Hee An1 and Joo-Ho Sung1,

1Department of Business, School of Management, Kyung Hee University

Pub. Date: August 06, 2018

Cite this paper:
Dong-Hwa Lee, Jun-Hee An and Joo-Ho Sung. Explaining Why Retirees Do Not Choose Annuities in Korea: A Probability of Consumption Shortfall Approach. Journal of Finance and Economics. 2018; 6(4):125-133. doi: 10.12691/jfe-6-4-2

Abstract

Many assume that for retirees, purchasing an annuity is a better option than self-annuitization in the decumulation period. In Korea, retirees have shown a strong preference for properties (real estate), and a decision to annuitize has been extremely rare. Using a genetic algorithm, we show that self-annuitization can be recommended as an optimal choice for retirees in Korea if they consider properties as one of the investment options. We set three scenarios that a worker can choose at retirement: self-annuitization, purchasing a whole life annuity, and mixed strategy. We then calculate an optimal asset allocation for each scenario capable of minimizing probability of consumption shortfall (PCS). An important observation is achieved: the optimal asset allocation for minimizing PCS vary by the income quintiles, and PCS rises significantly as the preference for purchasing a whole-life annuity increases. In case of a large reduction in consumption after retirement, however, annuitization may be a better option for retirees in the lowest income quintile.

Keywords:
annuity puzzle self-annuitization annuitization probability of consumption shortfall optimal asset allocation

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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