Catching the FoMO Fever: A Look at Fear in Finance

Posted: 8 Dec 2021 Last revised: 15 Jan 2024

See all articles by Yosef Bonaparte

Yosef Bonaparte

University of Colorado at Denver - Department of Finance

Frank J. Fabozzi

Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School

Date Written: September 19, 2021

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the phenomenon of “Fear of Missing Out” (FoMO) in financial markets, a concept that extends beyond social anxiety to significantly influence financial decision-making and investment behavior. FoMO has become particularly prominent with the rise of cryptocurrencies and social media's influence on investment decisions. We construct a comprehensive FoMO index, comprising elements such as market momentum, news sentiment, and margin account usage, to quantitatively measure FoMO levels in financial markets. Our analysis suggests that FoMO positively impacts equity and cryptocurrency prices. A surprising inverse relationship between FoMO and the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is observed, suggesting that increased FoMO leads to reduced market volatility due to decreased investor disagreement. A sectoral analysis using data from 48 different sectors indicates a varied influence of FoMO. At the household level, we investigate FoMO’s impact on investment behaviors, particularly in asset allocation to riskier investments. Our findings reveal that FoMO increases stock market participation and risk tolerance, particularly among minority and less-educated households. We also explore demographic susceptibilities to FoMO, finding that younger and minority households are more prone to its effects.

Keywords: fear of missing out; panic buying; minorities’ investment; fear of missing out; short squeeze; behavioral finance

JEL Classification: G10, G12

Suggested Citation

Bonaparte, Yosef and Fabozzi, Frank J., Catching the FoMO Fever: A Look at Fear in Finance (September 19, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3924594 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3924594

Yosef Bonaparte (Contact Author)

University of Colorado at Denver - Department of Finance ( email )

1475 Lawrence street
Denver, CO CO 80202-2219
United States
3033158483 (Phone)

Frank J. Fabozzi

Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School ( email )

100 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States

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