The anchoring effect, also known as “anchoring bias,” is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual relies too heavily on initial information (the anchor) when making decisions. This means a tendency to overly depend on the first piece of information encountered. It can lead to a series of errors in evaluation and planning. In the context of the cryptocurrency market, this effect can have a significant impact on investment decisions, especially in an environment characterized by such high volatility and uncertainty.

Cryptocurrencies, due to their relatively new nature and rapid changes in value, become an ideal field for studying the anchoring effect. Investors, often encountering extreme price fluctuations, may unconsciously adopt these initial values as a reference point, influencing their subsequent investment decisions – from determining the value of assets to decisions about selling or buying. This phenomenon is particularly visible in situations where the cryptocurrency market experiences rapid increases or decreases in value, prompting investors to form expectations and forecasts based on these early, potentially unstable prices.

Furthermore, the anchoring effect in the cryptocurrency market is compounded by the wide access to information and often unregulated nature of this market. Investors are bombarded with data from various sources – from social media to market analyses – which can foster the formation of anchored beliefs.

Anchoring theory

The anchoring effect, a psychological phenomenon identified by Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman in the 1970s, describes people’s tendency to rely on the first piece of information they receive when making evaluations and decisions. This initial information, called “anchoring,” often becomes a frame of reference within which subsequent judgments are made, even if new evidence or information challenges this first impression. In finance, and especially in the cryptocurrency market, this effect can lead to erroneous assessments of investment value. Investors, focusing too much on the purchase price or initial market price, may ignore significant later market information.

Investors may place too much importance on historical peak or trough prices, treating them as a reference point for future investment decisions. This can lead to maintaining positions in assets that have lost value, in the hope of returning to earlier prices, or undervaluing the growth potential in a situation where the market shows signs of a trend reversal.

Anchoring in cryptocurrency prices

The phenomenon of anchoring in cryptocurrency prices is particularly interesting due to the high volatility of these assets. For example, investors may anchor their price expectations at levels experienced during rapid increases, holding onto the belief that the cryptocurrency’s value will return to these high levels, even in the face of negative market data. This anchoring can result in holding assets longer than is rational, in anticipation of a return to previous values. On the other hand, a sharp drop in prices can lead to excessive pessimism, causing premature sale of assets for fear of further losses. This behavior is often seen among less experienced investors, who may not be aware that cryptocurrencies are prone to rapid and sometimes unpredictable price changes, which requires a cautious approach to interpreting market data and flexibility in decision-making.

Research and case studies

Numerous studies highlight the impact of the anchoring effect in the financial market. For example, a study conducted by Zacharias Sautner and Martin Weber in 2005 showed that investors often do not adjust their expectations, even when they receive new, significant information. This phenomenon can be particularly intensified in the cryptocurrency environment, where information is often fragmentary and rapidly changing. Another example is the study conducted by Brad M. Barber and Terrance Odean in 2001, which showed that individual investors often trade too aggressively due to excessive confidence. In the context of cryptocurrencies, historical cases such as the rapid rises and falls of Bitcoin illustrate how anchoring can affect investors’ perception of the market. For instance, in December 2017, when the price of Bitcoin reached a peak level of close to 20,000 USD, many investors anchored their expectations at this level, leading to maintaining investments despite the subsequent price drop.

Managing the anchoring effect

Can the anchoring effect be managed? Of course, it can. Investors must primarily be aware of this tendency and strive to make decisions based on a wide range of information, not just initial data. This approach includes continuous monitoring of market changes, fundamental analysis of cryptocurrencies, and considering various market scenarios. For example, investors can use analytical tools such as technical and fundamental analysis to better understand current market trends and potential future directions. Additionally, diversifying the portfolio can help minimize the risk associated with anchoring in one cryptocurrency or group of assets. It is also important for investors to be aware of the impact of media and public opinion on their investment decisions, as these factors can unconsciously influence their sense of market value of assets. Finally, regular reviews and adjustments of investment strategies in response to changing market conditions can help avoid the pitfalls associated with the anchoring effect.