Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan terhadap Preferensi Mahasiswa dalam Memilih Saham (Studi Kasus: Mahasiswa Agribisnis Tahun Ajaran 2020 Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Abstract

The plantation sector in Indonesia plays a strategic role in the economy,contributing to national income, job creation, and export revenues. Investment in plantation stocks offers significant profit potential but is also accompanied by high risks due to commodity price fluctuations and environmental challenges. Adequate investment knowledge is an essential factor influencing investor preferences,particularly among students as the younger generation with great potential in the capital market. This study aims to analyze the correlation between the knowledge level of Agribusiness students and their preferences for plantation stock investments. The research employed a survey method using a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 136 Agribusiness students from the 2020 cohort at Universitas Sumatera Utara, selected purposively. Data analysis was conducted using the Spearman Rho correlation to determine the correlation between knowledge and preferences. The results indicated a significant and positive correlation (p < 0.001; r = 0.729), where higher knowledge levels correlated with a stronger preference for plantation stocks. Students with substantial knowledge are better equipped to understand the fundamentals of investment, including risks, opportunities, and external market factors, thereby enhancing their confidence in choosing stocks in the plantation sector. This study underscores the importance of financial literacy, particularly concerning plantation stock investments, in supporting well-informed investment decisions and minimizing the risk of losses. Enhancing students' investment knowledge is expected to foster greater financial literacy among the younger generation, enabling them to contribute to the growth of strategic economic sectors such as plantations.