UC investigation links psychological characteristics to financial decisions in Portuguese SMEsPhoto by Timmy Siik on Pexels
BusinessCoimbra

UC investigation links psychological characteristics to financial decisions in Portuguese SMEs

Diário de Coimbra1 September 2026 at 14:15

An investigation by the University of Coimbra found that psychological characteristics of managers of Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises have a significant impact on the financial decisions of these companies. The study analyzed the relationship between personality traits and financial management policies.

The researchers concluded that the concept of 'mindfulness' - full awareness - directly influences liquidity and debt policies in SMEs. Managers with higher levels of mindfulness tend to make more balanced and thoughtful financial decisions.

The study involved the analysis of managers of small and medium-sized enterprises in Portugal, establishing a link between mental health and business financial behavior. This research emerges in the context of the growing importance of SMEs for the Portuguese economy.

The results suggest that training in psychological skills can improve companies' financial management, potentially reducing risks of excessive debt and treasury problems in national small and medium-sized enterprises.

Related articles

Business

Wall Street falls with pressure from rising sovereign interest rates

Wall Street opened lower on Tuesday, dragged down by intensifying global sovereign bond selling amid fears of persistent inflation. The Dow Jones fell 0.49%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.68% and the Nasdaq lost 1.34%, a move that BCP analysts attribute to the prospect of further interest rate hikes by major central banks. US ten-year debt yields reached 4.78%, the highest level since January, while the thirty-year yield hit 5.27%. Sovereign rates also rose to multi-decade highs in Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom. Brent crude advanced 2.22% to $92.5, driven by Middle East tensions, further fueling expectations of restrictive monetary policy.

Jornal Económico01/09/26, 14:49
Inflação determina possível aumento de 2,5% nas rendas para o próximo ano
Business

Inflation determines possible 2.5% rent increase for next year

Inflation may determine a 2.5% rent increase from January, reflecting current economic pressure on housing costs. Over the past five years, prices have accumulated an increase exceeding 15%, showing a sustained growth trend. Additionally, new lease contracts will see an even more significant increase, worsening the financial burden for new tenants.

SIC Notícias01/09/26, 14:39
Portugueses aumentam dormidas no país em 4%, contrariando previsões dos hoteleiros
Business

Portuguese increase overnight stays in the country by 4%, contradicting hoteliers' predictions

In July, Portuguese people increased their overnight stays within the country by more than 4%, a growth that contradicted hotel sector predictions and that compensated for the slowdown in foreign tourism, thus boosting one of the main engines of the national economy.

SIC Notícias01/09/26, 14:37
Business

Germany: death of the richest man creates one of Europe's largest foundations

Klaus-Michael Kühne, Germany's richest man, died at 87 in a Swiss canton where he resided to avoid inheritance taxes. Without children, his 42.2 billion euros were transferred tax-free to a charitable foundation, making it one of the richest in Europe. His fortune came mainly from the logistics company Kühne + Nagel, from his stake in the container company Hapag-Lloyd, and from investments in real estate and ships.

Euronews Portugal01/09/26, 14:34