Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between analysts’ facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) and their selected forecast boldness under different conditions (e.g., tournament condition and skill levels). The aim is to determine if fWHR captures innate or calculated risk-taking preferences. Supplementary tests reveal that high-fWHR analysts issuing bold forecasts achieve more favorable outcomes in terms of job promotion and forecast accuracy compared with their low-fWHR peers, providing supporting evidence that fWHR is associated with calculated risk-taking. In addition, tests conducted on stock price non-synchronicity and market reaction to bold forecasts for high- versus low-fWHR analysts suggest that high-fWHR analysts possess more firm-specific private information.
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