Study of FOMO Behaviour Among Equity Investors in Kerala (A Secondary Data Analysis)

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become a defining psychological trait in the digital investment era. With social media, online trading platforms, and financial influencers shaping investor sentiment, the emotion of “not wanting to be left behind” has become a powerful force in equity markets. This paper explores FOMO behaviour among equity investors in Kerala, a state known for its high literacy rate, strong remittance inflows, and emerging financial awareness. Relying exclusively on secondary data sources—ranging from reports by SEBI, NSE, and RBI to academic literature and media analyses—this study investigates how FOMO influences investment patterns, trading frequency, and risk-taking tendencies. The findings reveal that while financial literacy is increasing, emotional impulses continue to dominate trading decisions. The research concludes that behavioral biases such as FOMO, amplified by digital exposure, can significantly distort rational investment choices.