What's a Cause of Stock Market Crashes? Too Much Testosterone, Science Says.In a study, the hormone inflated the participants' perception of a stock's worth.

ByNina Zipkin

Spencer Platt | Getty Images

The financial institutions that do work trading on the New York Stock Exchange are predominantly, perennially staffed bymen.

And now, a new study from the University of Western Ontario, University of Oxford and Claremont Graduate University has found that testosterone, the hormone found more so in men than in women, can be linked to the decisions that lead to stock market destabilization and crashes.

To figure this out, the researchers constructed their own test case stock market. Before each of the 17 trading sessions, the "traders" -- 140 male participants -- were either given testosterone or a placebo in gel form. Each session had the participants selling, bidding and offering money in exchange for stock and competed to see who would make the most money.

Related:5 Things You Need Before You Invest in the Stock Market

The researchers found that when the participants were given testosterone before they commenced trading, it increased the size of the stock market bubbles. The traders put forth higher bidding and selling prices, and their perception of the stock's value was affected, even though they knew its true value.

In a summary of the study from UWO'sIvey Business School, the researchers recommended that when trading, to account for this influence, instead of a frenzied decision-making practice, firms should institute "cool down periods" to better assess the real value of the stock on the table.

That's a good piece of advice for entrepreneurs too. Instead of making decisions right away, cool off for a bit and take in the situation.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

特约撰稿人。包括领导、媒体、技术and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Starting a Business

The Opportunities We Unlock As Solopreneurs

In this episode, Angela Shen, owner and founder of Savor the Wild Tours, discusses starting a new business and changing her approach after selling her first business, Savor Seattle.

领导

We Have a Substance Abuse Crisis in The Workplace. Here's How — and Why — Employers Need To Act Now.

Substance abuse and addiction have long posed challenges for employers and employees alike. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leaving many companies struggling to support workers and maintain productivity.

Living

A Cashmere Shawl Is Just $17.97 for a Limited Time

Don't miss this Lavisha Cashmere Shawl on sale through October 15.

Legal

How a Master Thief Stole $2 Billion Worth of Art With Nothing But a Swiss Army Knife

On this episode of "Dirty Money," get the story of a sticky-fingered Frenchman who walked out of museums with priceless works under his jacket.

Science & Technology

5 Tips to Help Business Leaders Make Sense of the AI Landscape

The article emphasizes the importance of understanding AI technologies and their potential applications in achieving business goals. It serves as a guide to creating an AI strategy.

Business News

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Walk the Red Carpet Together at Premiere of 'Eras World Tour' Film

Swift's concert film debuted in Los Angeles on Wednesday.