Customer Quote by Robert J. Shiller
““Irrational exuberance is the psychological basis of a speculative bubble. I define a speculative bubble as a situation in which news of price increases spurs investor enthusiasm, which spreads by psychological contagion from person to person, in the process amplifying stories that might justify the price increases and bringing in a larger and larger class of investors, who, despite doubts about the real value of an investment, are drawn to it partly through envy of others’ successes and partly through a gambler's excitement.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Irrational Exuberance, 2000
Speculative bubbles grow when rising prices fuel excitement, spreading contagiously despite doubts about true value.
In simple terms: Bubbles form from hype and envy.
Key Takeaway
Beware of hype, assess fundamentals.
Themes
economics
psychology
markets
Mood
analytical
cautionary
Type
explanatory
academic
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- policy making
- financial education
Key Concepts
behavioral finance
contagion
valuation
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate a bubble forming?
- How does social media amplify bubbles?
A Different Perspective
Bubbles can be hard to detect early.
