A Study of Investor Sentiment and Market Volatility During the Covid – 19 Pandemic

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of investor sentiment on stock market volatility in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the NIFTY 50 index and Google Trends from March 2020 to December 2021, we analyze correlations between public mood and market fluctuations. The findings indicate that negative sentiment—driven by lockdowns, rising case numbers, and economic uncertainty— was strongly associated with increased market volatility. Furthermore, the study reveals that positive news, such as vaccine developments and easing restrictions, had a stabilizing effect on the markets, underscoring the importance of tracking sentiment. The paper suggests that integrating sentiment analysis into risk assessment strategies may improve investor decision-making and market resilience by providing a more comprehensive understanding of behavioral drivers influencing market behavior. Future research could further explore the impact of media coverage and government interventions on investor sentiment to develop more sophisticated predictive models. Additionally, understanding how investor sentiment interacts with global economic conditions and local market factors can help refine strategies to mitigate risk during future crises. Keywords : Investor Sentiment , COVID-19 Pandemic , Sentiment Analysis , Market Fluctuations