The Psychology of Short and Long Investing: What Drives the Decisions?

Investment has always been a fascinating yet quite critical subject. Whether you are a newbie or experienced, risk-averse or risk-taker, and want higher dividends in share investing, or wealth creation, certain psychological factors will always play a leading role in shaping your investment decision.

Cognitive biases such as overconfidence, overestimation, herding behavior, and emotions of fear and greed might force you to make questionable decisions and cause significant losses. 

So, let’s invest some time in this article to know what exactly these factors are that influence us to prefer one strategy over another. 

Difference Between Short-term and Long-term Investing

Before understanding the psychology of investment, it is necessary to get a basic idea of short vs long stock investing. 

Short-term investment is generally for 3 or fewer years. It is highly volatile and generates quick profits through short-term market fluctuations. Their goal is to meet the current financial needs such as home renovation, vacations, weddings, etc. 

While long-term investment is relatively for an extended period, usually 10 or more years. It builds financial returns over the long run and is done to meet retirement or future needs. 

Also Read: Discover the Top Benefits of Investing in a Franchise Business

Factors that Affect the Short and Long Investment Decision

Sometimes, you might feel to match others’ profit and this FOMO mentality may influence you towards a misguided decision to gain higher returns. Not only this, overconfidence, personal judgments, loss aversion, and others can lead to an irrational decision.

Apart from these basic behavioral reasons, several other factors primarily affect the investment decision. They include the following: 

One of the most prominent factors that determines your investment type is the time horizon or the period for which you want to hold your investment. This is directly based on your goal, if you are in immediate need of money then the short-term investment is suitable, otherwise, you can opt for a long-term investment. 

Risk tolerance is the level of risk you are ready to bear with your investment. Typically, a riskier investment generates higher returns than the one with less risk. In the long term, you can reduce this risk by creating an efficient portfolio. 

Most of the investors want to get high and steady returns from their investments. The risk and return of an investment have a positive correlation. So, if you want to earn higher rewards, you have to bear the higher risk. On the other hand, if you want to reduce the risk, you may have to compromise with the returns as well. 

Hence, you should have a clear objective behind purchasing a particular stock, mutual funds, or bonds. Like whether you want recurring income, capital appreciation, or a combination of both, and then choose accordingly. 

The tax rate associated with the investment and the potential deductions may also deviate from your investment decision and type. So, you should closely monitor the tax rates of each investment type and then put the money in the one that leverages the highest returns after tax deductions.

It refers to the ease of trading an investment in the stock market. High liquidity risk leads to difficulty in buying and selling. This might be due to several reasons such as the current economic condition in the country, global economic scenario, volatility of the stock, market reputation of the company, etc. So, it is necessary to check this risk as well to align with your investment objective and time horizon.

Additionally, fees & charges, market trends, asset allocation, business valuation and past performance of the company, etc. are some other responsible factors for the mind-mapping of investors regarding the type of investment. 

Final Words

Here, we got to know psychological and other factors that may fluctuate your short-term and long-term investment choices. To get possible returns, it is suggested to make wise decisions that are based on market reports, analysis, and effective interpretation instead of your instinct and behavior. Also, try to diversify your portfolio and regularly track your investment to make adjustments but avoid frequent changes. 

So, just overcome your psychological limitations and delve into a secure financial future.

Also Read: Navigating the Economic Storm: A Small Guide on How to Combat Inflation and Safeguard Your Finances

FAQs

Sources: 

• The Psychology Behind Investment Decisions, LinkedIn 
• How We Trade And Invest Impacts Our Psychology, Forbes

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