Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5061002 Economics Letters 2011 4 Pages PDF
Abstract

This paper examines aggregate time series data on individual charitable donations from 1968 to 2007. We find that changes in individual giving show an asymmetric response to changes in the S&P 500: individuals are more responsive to stock market upturns than downturns.

Research Highlights► Charitable gifts have grown tremendously from 1968 to 2007, now representing more than 2% of GDP. ► Lagged percentage changes in the S&P 500 explain 36% of the variation in percentage changes of gifts. ► The response is asymmetric: gifts are more responsive to stock market upturns than downturns.

Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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