Investor Sentiment and Its Mechanisms in Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Review

Zhenqi Guo; Yingqi Luo; Qianwen Wei; Yiling Huang; Kaiyu Luo; Rongzhen Lu; Qiyan Ke; Nianjiao Peng

doi:10.71222/vagryy03

Authors

Zhenqi Guo Sendelta international academy Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518103, China Author
Yingqi Luo Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author
Qianwen Wei Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author
Yiling Huang Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author
Kaiyu Luo Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author
Rongzhen Lu Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author
Qiyan Ke Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author
Nianjiao Peng Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, 510521, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71222/vagryy03

Keywords:

investor sentiment, stock market, behavioral finance, market volatility, trading behavior

Abstract

Investor sentiment significantly shapes stock market behavior, influencing asset prices, trading activity, market risk, and portfolio allocation. This review synthesizes conceptual frameworks, empirical evidence, and mechanisms through which sentiment affects financial markets, covering both developed and emerging markets. Direct and indirect sentiment measures, including surveys, market-based indicators, and text-based analyses, are evaluated. Findings underscore that optimism and pessimism drive overreaction, herding, and volatility, while also affecting asset allocation decisions. The review discusses practical implications for investors, regulators, and researchers, and identifies future research directions, including multi-modal sentiment analysis and theinteractions among behavioral biases.

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