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Showing posts with the label psychological impact

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

What is the Consumer Price Index(CPI)? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is one of the most widely followed economic indicators, and it is used by investors to gauge inflation and make investment decisions. How is the CPI calculated? The CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS surveys households across the United States to collect data on the prices they pay for goods and services. This data is then used to create a "basket" of goods and services that represents the spending habits of the average American household. The BLS calculates the CPI by comparing the prices in the basket of goods and services in a given month to the prices in the same basket of goods and services in a base year. The base year is usually 2000. How does the CPI affect investing? The CPI is an important indicator of inflation. When the CPI rises, it means that the cost of living is incre

The importance of "humility" in stock trading

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It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that investing in stocks is like a goose that lays golden eggs, especially in a bull market. However, it's important to keep your emotions under control and always maintain an attitude of "humility" in such situations. Bankruptcy due to hubris When your investments are performing well, it's easy to think, "I'm an investment god." However, hubris can lead to investment failure. In 1995, the 230-year-old Barings bank in the United Kingdom collapsed. One investor, Nick Leeson, was so overconfident in his ability to invest that he led the bank into bankruptcy. This example shows how complacency in investing can have devastating consequences. The trap of the winning streak During a sustained bull market, when returns are high, investors can be tricked into thinking they have the hand of Midas. This can lead to overconfidence in their investment performance. This overconfidence can lead them to take bigger risks,

The psychological impact of investment

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Investing can be exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. The promise of financial growth and security is alluring, but it also comes with challenges that test our emotional resilience. The Thrill of Possibilities The potential for substantial gains often ignites a sense of excitement. The idea that a well-placed investment could lead to substantial profits can be motivating. However, this enthusiasm can sometimes cloud our judgment and lead to impulsive decisions. The Fear of Losses On the flip side, the fear of losing money is a powerful emotional trigger. Loss aversion, a cognitive bias, can lead us to make irrational choices to avoid losses. This fear can be so intense that it prevents us from making logical decisions about our investments. Overcoming Emotional Biases Recognizing and addressing emotional biases is crucial for successful investing. Confirmation bias, where we seek information that supports our existing beliefs, and herd mentality, where we follow the crowd