It suggests that low levels of financial literacy and numeracy found amongst consumers significantly limit the effect of disclosures as a means of consumer protection. This article provides a comprehensive review of financial literacy studies and surveys conducted recently to assess and determine financial literacy and numeracy levels across different countries. Financial literacy and numeracy levels affect the ability of consumers to read, understand, process and reflect on the information presented to them. They differ in geographic scope, population size, source of commissioning and definitional meanings of (il)literacy. The scope of each questionnaire/survey is different and diverse. They are used to describe and assess, qualitatively and/or quantitatively, levels of financial (il)literacy. However, consumer/population surveys and questionnaires are the most common. Methodology and results of financial literacy research There are many methodological approaches used to study and map financial (il)literacy. So what, specifically, does research on financial literacy and numeracy involve, and what kind of evidence is produced to support these findings? 1. And finally, they argue that the effectiveness of disclosures becomes very problematic in the light of consumer unwillingness to invest time and effort in learning more about financial markets. Secondly, they suggest that the lack of numeracy skills prevents consumers from engaging in sound, credible and welfare-enhancing analysis of financial information. First, they demonstrate how financial illiteracy negatively affects the ability of consumers to read, understand and employ disclosures. Extensive studies on financial literacy and numeracy, however, pose serious questions and challenges to this agenda. (the International Organization of Securities Commissions, 2009) There have been recent calls from international organizations to improve consumer protection in financial markets by demanding increased disclosures. No matter what disclosures are mandated, they will not have the intended effect if the investor either does not read and/or understand the information provided.
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