Investing: How Could We Behave That Way?
To varying degrees, the average investor earns significantly less than mutual fund performance reports would suggest.
By Mark B. Robinson
Studies that measure the effects of investors decisions to buy, sell or switch into or out of mutual funds have shown to varying degrees, that the average investor earns significantly less than mutual fund performance reports would suggest.
Is there a problem here? Yes, but as Charles D. Ellis observed, the problem is not in the market but in ourselves, our perceptions and our reactions to our perceptions. In other words, we confound ourselves through behavior we tend to repeat again and again. For example
Managing our investments is difficult enough. We don't need compound this through our behavior. Being aware of these common behavioral mistakes -- and when they may be showing up in your thought process -- may hopefully cause you to reconsider your actions and in doing so, increase your probability of achieving your long-term investment objectives.
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This material is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax adviser, attorney, accountant and/or insurance adviser. You should consult with the appropriate professional before you make any financial commitment regarding the issues related to your situation. These projections and examples are hypothetical and do not reflect actual investment results and are not a guarantee of future results.
Mark B. Robinson is a presenter for the Investor Education in Your Community program, a series of nonprofit, non-commercial financial literacy seminars held at public libraries.
The Investor Education in Your Community program paid for placement of this article. Its views do not necessarily reflect those of WWJ Newsradio 950 or CBS Radio.