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From losses to stagnation

How emotions influence investment decisions
18 January 2026 by
From losses to stagnation
Kinga Stigter
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The content in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment recommendations, financial advice, or a guarantee of results. All investment decisions are made independently and at one’s own responsibility.


Ilustracja dwóch kobiet rozmawiających o inwestowaniu

The invisible factor that can alter even the most carefully planned strategy


In the world of investing, especially when you approach it thoughtfully and already have a solid foundation of knowledge, one element is often overlooked despite being just as important as fundamental analysis or asset selection. That element is emotion. In critical moments, emotions can outweigh a rational assessment of data and lead either to losses or to something less obvious but equally consequential. It is stagnation. 

In this article, we take a closer look at how emotions influence investment decisions. We examine when they push investors toward excessive risk, when they hold them back from acting, and what this means over a longer time horizon. We draw on real examples, supported by historical data and academic research, to better understand mechanisms that are often invisible but nonetheless have tangible consequences for an investment portfolio.

How emotions influence investment decisions

*This educational material is available exclusively for the Elegant CircleLearn more...>

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