
Investing on the stock market can be a real roller coaster of emotions. Studies on behavioural economics and financial cycles have shown that the emotional ups and downs experienced by investors often follow the "cycle of investor emotions." Learn how your emotions can interfere with your good judgement as an investor, and keep a level head with these tips.
Investors often make financial decisions—good or bad—based on their emotions. Research in the field of behavioural economics has shown that emotions play a significant role in investing.
Why is this? According to Israeli-American psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman, people trust their gut more than they should. This is one of the reasons they gamble so much on the stock market—often with poor results. Prospect Theory, developed by Kahneman and Tversky in 1979, holds that the discomfort investors feel when they suffer a loss makes them willing to take bigger risks, believing they have "nothing to lose." The two researchers also found that a financial loss evoked a stronger emotional reaction than winning the exact same amount.
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1. Optimism, enthusiasm, thrill and euphoria
There is usually a positive emotion at the root of every decision to buy. When our expectations are met, we feel enthusiastic, thrilled and euphoric. This is the point of maximum financial risk.
2. Anxiety, denial, fear and desperation
Rising markets always end up plateauing, evoking feelings of anxiety, denial and even fear in investors.
3. Panic, capitulation, despondency and depression
When the markets take a nosedive, investors experience despair and panic. Many investors feel depressed and question whether they should keep investing.
During this phase, it's critical to be patient and wait it out.
4. Hope, relief and optimism
When a bull market returns, investors feel relief and new hope. The prospect of a future gains triggers newfound optimism.
Here is an illustration of this emotional cycle:
Now that you've made the decision to manage your assets yourself, it's important to recognize this cycle as it happens. Emotions often cause investors to lose out on great opportunities. When prices drop, investors tend to sell, which goes against the principles of sound investing.
When you take that first step as a DIY investor, you may
experience the full range of emotions described above. Don't let them
overwhelm you. Be realistic and maintain your perspective. Remind
yourself of your investment objectives at every turn so you don't make
impulsive decisions to buy or sell. With a better understanding of how
these emotions can impact your investing, you'll be able to make
informed decisions, build a solid portfolio and meet your financial goals.
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