Trading in your Golden Years: The Effects of Early Pension Withdrawal on Individual Investments

Abstract

We examine the causal effects of a policy allowing early withdrawal of pension funds on individuals’ investment behavior. Upon turning 55, eligible individuals may withdraw a portion of their pension savings. Using detailed brokerage data, we find that this liquidity access triggers increased trading of 9% to 33%, especially in riskier, leveraged assets, without improving investment performance. The resulting increase in trading costs and portfolio volatility, particularly among males and lower-income investors, ultimately diminishes retirement wealth.