John Roe: Share the love, don't love the share

The impact of behavioural biases on investing

clock • 3 min read

Love is not logical - and neither, arguably, are investors who stick with underperforming investments in the belief that their fortunes may reverse against all available evidence, writes John Roe.

Nevertheless, many fund managers appear to hold certain assets even when it would be prudent to walk away, going against their more rational judgement and demonstrating a very human susceptibility to behavioural biases. The impact of behavioural biases can be so strong on investors and their investment decisions that Israel prohibited the display of retirement funds' investment returns for periods shorter than one year; in doing so, they limited the impact of short-term, recent performance on investment decisions. This approach may minimise the impact of a few biases, but drawing less...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

'It's been frantic – in a good way': Orbis' Matt Spencer on maintaining momentum

'It's been frantic – in a good way': Orbis' Matt Spencer on maintaining momentum

Advisers in the UK are ‘exceptionally high quality’

Jenna Brown
clock 25 November 2025 • 8 min read
Why 'bubble talk' doesn't always burst markets

Why 'bubble talk' doesn't always burst markets

What’s really driving recent returns?

Eleanor Ingilby
clock 20 November 2025 • 4 min read
Consultancy launches to provide IFAs with 'robust' investment processes

Consultancy launches to provide IFAs with 'robust' investment processes

Sheridan Admans launches Infundly

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 November 2025 • 1 min read