The Media's Role in Fostering Knowledge of Financial Management: A Case of Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates how behavioural biases affect how individual investors make investing decisions. Drawing upon the discipline of behavioral finance, which integrates psychological insights into financial decision-making, we investigate the presence and effects of various biases on investment behavior. The study aims to contribute to understand the factors thoroughly that shape individuals' investment choices and their subsequent financial outcomes. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, we explore the prevalence and magnitude of biases for instance loss aversion, overconfidence, and framing effects among individual investors. By analyzing real-world investment decisions, we assess the influence of these biases on portfolio composition, trading frequency, and performance outcomes. According to the preliminary findings, behavioral biases play a significant role in shaping investment decisions. Overconfident investors prefer to trade more often, leading to higher transaction costs and lower returns. Loss aversion biases lead to suboptimal portfolio allocation, as investors disproportionately allocate funds to low-risk assets. Additionally, framing effects impact decision-making by altering risk perceptions and preferences. The study underscores the importance of recognizing and mitigating behavioral biases in investment decision-making. By raising awareness and providing insights into the specific biases influencing individual investors, this research offers valuable implications for financial education, regulatory policies, and investment advisory services. Ultimately, understanding the role of behavioral biases can contribute to more informed and rational investment decision-making, leading to improved financial outcomes for individual investors.