Gertjan Verdickt

As a behavioral economist, I explore the intricacies of financial decision-making through the unique lenses of economic history and the wine market. Currently a Lecturer in Finance (Assistant Professor) at the University of Auckland, my research uncovers how historical trends and the specific dynamics of passion assets, like fine wine, shape investor behavior and market evolutions.

My academic journey, which includes a Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the University of Antwerp and multiple research visits at Stanford University, Columbia Business School, and the University of Notre Dame, has been dedicated to this interdisciplinary approach. My previous appointments at KU Leuven, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Monash Business School have enriched my perspective on how behavioral principles operate across different economic contexts.

As the Assistant Editor of the Financial History Review, I help foster scholarly dialogue at the intersection of finance and history. My own research in this area has been published in top-tier journals, including Explorations in Economic History, the Journal of Economic History, and the Economic History Review. This specialized work has garnered significant attention from (international) media outlets such as Bloomberg, Forbes, The Financial Times, Yahoo News, and TVNZ, leading to the "Research Engagement and Relevance Award" from the University of Auckland's Business School in 2025.

To bridge the gap between academic insights and practical application, I co-authored "Investeren in Stijl" or "The Passion Portfolio," which brings evidence-based real asset investing to a broader audience. My expertise in wine economics is complemented by my pursuit of the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, and I actively use this knowledge as a member of the investment committee for WineFi, a startup focused on quantitative fine wine investing. Outside of my professional life, I am an avid endurance athlete, competing in (ultra)marathons and engaging in high-altitude mountaineering.

Research news:

I have a new solo-authored paper: Climate Extrapolation and Relative Asset Pricing: Evidence from Bordeaux Premier Cru Wine Auctions.

I have a new solo-authored paper: The Asset-Pricing Implications of Selection Neglect: Evidence from Global Fine Wine Auctions.

I updated my working paper with Francesco Stradi (KU Leuven): Algorithm Aversion, Appreciation, and Investor Return Beliefs.

I have a new working paper with Amaury De Vicq (University of Groningen): Financial Regulation and Household Portfolio Reallocation.

I have a new working paper with Justin Case (University of Auckland) and Eline Poelmans (KU Leuven): Risk Premia Reconsidered.

Journal news:

My paper, "Do not Mention The War," with Marc Deloof (University of Antwerp) and Leentje Moortgat (Ghent University), received an R&R in Business History.

"The Asset-Pricing Implications of Selection Neglect: Evidence from Global Fine Wine Auctions" received an R&R in the Journal of Banking and Finance.

"Railroad Bailouts in the Great Depression," co-authored with Lyndon Moore (Monash University), was accepted at the Journal of Economic History.

Book news:

I wrote a book on investing in real assets with Jürgen Hanssens: Investeren in Stijl. You can buy this now via Bogerhoff & Lamberigts!

Jürgen and I finished the English translation, "The Passion Portfolio": https://www.borgerhoff-lamberigts.be/owl-press/shop/boeken/the-passion-portfolio.

• • You can find it here on Amazon.co.uk.

  • You can find it here on Amazon.com.

  • You can find it here on Bol.com.

  • You can find it here on StandaardBoekhandel.be.

It was voted among the best investment books in 2024 by De Tijd.