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@article{190831,
        author = {Ansal.P},
        title = {Investor Sentiment and Mutual Fund Selection: A Behavioural Finance Analysis},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {6049-6055},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190831},
        abstract = {The present study investigates the role of investor sentiment in mutual fund selection, highlighting its influence on decision-making, fund performance, and portfolio outcomes within the behavioural finance framework. Traditional finance models, including the Efficient Market Hypothesis, assume rational investor behaviour, yet empirical evidence demonstrates that psychological biases, emotions, and social dynamics frequently deviate decisions from purely analytical reasoning. This article examines the theoretical foundations of behavioural finance, exploring cognitive biases such as overconfidence, herding, loss aversion, and mental accounting, which shape fund selection and allocation. It further analyses the impact of emotions, market mood, media influence, and information asymmetry on investment timing and fund choice. The study underscores that investor sentiment not only drives fund flows but also affects long-term performance, highlighting the strategic implications for fund managers in mitigating volatility and enhancing portfolio stability. By integrating sentiment indicators, media analysis, and behavioural insights into investment frameworks, both individual and institutional investors can better anticipate market reactions, make informed fund selections, and achieve sustainable risk-adjusted returns. This analysis emphasises that recognising psychological and emotional drivers is critical for bridging the gap between classical rational models and the nuanced realities of mutual fund investment.},
        keywords = {Investor Sentiment, Behavioural Finance, Mutual Fund Selection, Portfolio Performance},
        month = {January},
        }