BlackRock’s psych team (yes) hunts for bias in trades

Portfolio managers asked to keep ‘trade diaries’ of the thinking that led up to poor investments

BlackRock
BlackRock is trying to identify unconscious biases in portfolio managers' thinking that might be leaving returns on the table. The firm is also toying with the idea of wearable technology to measure stress.

BlackRock has assembled a team of psychologists and quants who are directing some portfolio managers to record their decision processes in “trade diaries” to uncover where cognitive biases might have led them to sell stocks too soon or hold on too long.  

In a related, somewhat curious effort, the firm is also looking into kitting out portfolio managers with wearable technology to measure their stress levels.

The psych team is digging into portfolio managers’ behaviour to root out instances of

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

Register

Want to know what’s included in our free membership? Click here

This address will be used to create your account

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here