Fear, Greed & Panic: The Psychology of the Stock Market [Paperback]

David Cohen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2001

What really influences the way the stock markets behave?

David Cohen argues that far from being influenced by logical, rational considerations, stock markets are driven by deep-seated emotions such as fear, greed, panic and the herd instinct.

Written in a jargon-free style, this book contains fascinating case histories on companies and individuals and includes an amusing psychological quiz which will help you to understand your own attitude to risk and therefore guide you when making investment decisions.

Essential reading for anyone with an interest in how markets actually work.
* A fun, topical read
* Contains a psychological quiz to test attitude towards risk
* Includes a useful glossary of psychological and investment terms

Editorial Reviews

Review

"..thought-provoking.." (Moneywise February 2002)

From the Back Cover

DON'T BUY THIS BOOK if you want handy hints on which shares to buy, because David Cohen is not an investment expert.

DO BUY THIS BOOK if you want to know how brokers behave or if you've ever wondered why investing in the stock market seems to be more of a gamble than a coolly calculated, economic exercise. David Cohen examines the psychology of the real stock market, not the share prices, buildings or machines, but the people who work there and the people who invest their money in it.

Fear, Greed and Panic shows that economic facts are less important than feelings, for both professional investors and lay people. Try the risk questionnaire to see how you fare. Lots of people are shy about admitting that they want to make money. If you can understand the people involved in the money markets you will know a lot more about share prices than any clever software package can reveal.

Comments on the hardback edition:

"David Cohen's book has hit upon a rich seam, which is far more edifying than any beginner's guide to investing . . . his objective eye from one profession looking at another gives the reader a far better insight of the markets than many an expert I have read." - Justin Urquhart Stewart, The Independent

"Cohen attempts to address what makes the markets tick in his thoroughly engaging work . . . fascinating book." - Conn O Midheach, Irish Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (August 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471486590
• ISBN-13: 978-0471486596
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My first piece was published in the Times of London about a holiday in a small village in southern France. I've written a lot of psychology non fiction and also work in films. I am currently doing a massive DVD based on a reading of the Bible - it took 78 hours - a church in London. And my son and I are translating a book on Sarkozy and Carla.
My next book out is about how Freud escaped Vienna and the 'good' Nazi who helped him.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Fear, Greed and Panic, October 10, 2009

By 

Frank Jahn (UAE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fear, Greed & Panic: The Psychology of the Stock Market (Paperback)

This book is dedicated to the bursting technology bubble in 2001 but proves to be valid for the events of 2008. David Cohen's style is fluent and entertaining - he manages to convey the psychology of decision making under stress with ease. The questionaires give the reader the feeling of being an active participant. The book combines theory with good research of the author. The interviews and case studies are well selected and clearly illuminate the subject matter. A well balanced, educational and enjoyable read.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Splendid Book, March 22, 2004

By 

Vitali (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fear, Greed & Panic: The Psychology of the Stock Market (Paperback)

I am a psychologist, who works on a dissertation "Socio-psychological study of personal traits, contributory to success in investing". Of all maybe 100 books I read on the subject, this is the GOOD ONE.

7 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Psychological Jibber-Jabber, April 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Fear, Greed & Panic: The Psychology of the Stock Market (Paperback)

If you are a psychologist you might find this book interesting. Keyword on MIGHT.... it is very bland and the grammar of the English is like a first grader. I was dissapointed by this book. An example of what was discussed was that people want money because when they are babies they suck and ... and become anal retentive. If that kind of information does you good, then this is your book.