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Cycles of Investor Psychology: Embrace the Rhythm of Markets
Investor psychology plays a critical role in market cycles, where initial bad news can trigger a cascade of selling as confidence erodes. As economic events improve, higher corporate profits and rising asset prices stir optimism, leading to increased risk tolerance among investors. This heightened confidence allows asset prices to continue climbing until they inevitably plateau and decline when expectations are unmet. During downturns, pessimism prevails, further depressing asset values until conditions stabilize for a new recovery phase. While the cycle appears straightforward, its execution is complex, with variations in speed and duration. Key factors sustaining these cycles include the instinct to profit without missing opportunities, the influence of herd behavior that discourages independent thinking, and the discomfort of seeing others benefit from investments previously rejected.