How “Point Blindness” Dilutes the Value of Stock Market Reports

Lupia, Arthur and Krupnikov, Yanna and Levine, Adam Seth and Grafstrom, Cassandra and MacMillan, William and McGovern, Erin (2008): How “Point Blindness” Dilutes the Value of Stock Market Reports.

Abstract

The stock index “point” is a focal component of financial news reports. While much attention is paid to changes in stock index point totals, few people realize that the value of a stock index “point” varies (and has recently declined). We call this perceptual phenomenon “point blindness” and explain its threat to investors. Simple changes in media presentations of stock index information can counter point blindness. These changes are easy to implement and can help audiences make better financial decisions. An experiment on over 2000 participants shows such changes significantly altering their perceptions of the stock market.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: behavioral economics: personal finance; communication
• Subjects: G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G11 - Portfolio Choice ; Investment Decisions; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C9 - Design of Experiments > C99 - Other; D - Microeconomics > D1 - Household Behavior and Family Economics > D14 - Household Saving; Personal Finance

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