Behavioural Factors Effect on Investors' Investment Performance

Abstract

Behavioural finance theory posited that the actions of individual investors have demonstrated that people appear to respond to and perceive the same information differently, generating psychological biases that are defined as Behavioural Factors. It is against this backdrop that this study empirically examines the effect of behavioural factors on investment performance. This study examines behavioural factors (Heuristics, Prospects, Herding, and Market) that influence stock investors’ performance in Nigeria’s capital market. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents were sampled by an online survey method through a questionnaire from active investors using the top ten brokerage firms in Nigeria. Data were examined and analyzed by STATA software using the structural equation model technique (SEM) as the statistical tool. The data revealed a considerable positive link between behavioural factors indicators and investment performance. The study, therefore, recommends that NSE should continuously share information, and train the investors, which is geared towards positively influencing investment decisions. Through this information, investors will be in a position to make wise investment decisions. NSE should also evaluate the influences of prior events in relation to the specific counter under investigation. More so the effect of the learning process should be clearly evaluated to ensure that there is maximum benefit for all parties involved in selling and buying a security share.