A recent survey by Kraken highlights the significant impact of emotional decision-making on cryptocurrency investors. As the market continues to reach new highs, many participants admitted their feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) have negatively influenced their portfolios.
Investors Regret Missing Out on Gains
Kraken’s Crypto FOMO Survey 2024, conducted among 1,248 U.S. crypto holders, revealed that 88% of respondents believe they missed out on substantial profits. This sentiment aligns with the ongoing bull market, which saw Bitcoin surpass the $100,000 milestone on Dec. 5, marking a 126% increase since January.
Altcoins also experienced notable gains, with XRP rising to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Despite feeling left behind, 84% of respondents expressed optimism about future opportunities in the cryptocurrency space.
Emotional Decisions Are Taking a Toll
The survey found that emotional responses often drive crypto investment decisions:
- 84% acted on FOMO during price surges.
- 81% made choices influenced by FUD, such as market uncertainty or bearish news.
These emotional reactions have real consequences, as 63% of participants admitted their emotional decisions had significantly harmed their portfolios.
One of the biggest fears for investors is missing out on sudden price surges, with 60% identifying this as their top concern. Kraken’s findings highlight how market emotions can overshadow rational decision-making, leading to costly mistakes.
Overcoming Emotional Investing
To mitigate the risks of emotional decision-making, Kraken recommended a more methodical approach. Instead of reacting to market sentiment, investors are encouraged to:
- Use technical analysis to evaluate trends and make informed decisions.
- Develop trading strategies that focus on long-term goals rather than short-term market movements.
While many investors feel they’ve missed out during this bull run, optimism remains high for future opportunities in the digital asset market. By adopting a disciplined approach, crypto holders may reduce the impact of emotions and better navigate the volatility of the market.