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Overconfident investors and probability misjudgments

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  • Kliger, Doron
  • Levy, Ori

Abstract

This paper explores systematic distortions of subjective probabilities by overconfident investors. In agreement with many non-expected utility theories, our devised setup acknowledges nonlinear weighting of physical probabilities by both rational and overconfident investors. Overconfidence - assumed to be higher after a history of gains and lower after a history of losses - changes these probability transformations. Using US asset price data, overconfident investors are found to be more optimistic than rational investors about future prospects.

Suggested Citation

  • Kliger, Doron & Levy, Ori, 2010. "Overconfident investors and probability misjudgments," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 24-29, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:39:y:2010:i:1:p:24-29
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michailova, Julija, 2010. "Development of the overconfidence measurement instrument for the economic experiment," MPRA Paper 26384, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Sinkey, Michael, 2015. "How do experts update beliefs? Lessons from a non-market environment," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 55-63.
    3. Charles-Cadogan, G., 2021. "Market Instability, Investor Sentiment, And Probability Judgment Error in Index Option Prices," CRETA Online Discussion Paper Series 71, Centre for Research in Economic Theory and its Applications CRETA.
    4. Godfrey Cadogan, 2014. "Chaos in a Large System of Decision‐Makers with Heterogeneous Beliefs with Application to Index Option Prices," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(4), pages 487-501, July.

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