Customer Quote by Michael Lewis
““The markets in the long run are no doubt driven by fundamental economic laws—if the United States runs a persistent trade deficit, the dollar will eventually plummet—but in the short run money flows less rationally. Fear and, to a lesser extent, greed are what make money move.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Flash Boys by Michael Lewis, 2014
Explains that short‑term market movements are driven more by emotion—fear and greed—than by fundamental economic principles.
In simple terms: Short‑term markets are swayed by emotion, not just fundamentals.
Recognize emotional drivers in financial decisions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- trading strategies
- investment planning
- risk management
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can investors mitigate fear‑driven decisions?
- What safeguards reduce greed‑induced market distortions?
Emotional influences can cause irrational bubbles and crashes, undermining rational analysis.