Randeniya Thesis Defense Presentation (Spring 2022)

This paper studies how the COVID-19 global pandemic influenced a new generation of investors into the stock market. The paper will take a look at the state of the financial markets and its participants before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic. It is important to note that as of this paper, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from being over—these conclusions and recommendations are based on the current trends within the financial market. The research concludes that the younger participants that joined the market were more risk tolerant, traded in large quantities with little money, and found many of their trading strategies on social media platforms. Further research also suggests that market sentiments were highly correlated with price differences in stocks and other securities. Along with a categorization for the new investors in the market, this paper will take a look at how the new participants have affected more traditional experienced investors that were in the stock market well before the pandemic, and their ability to give and take investment advice from the new generation. Key words: COVID-19 pandemic, risk average, pandemic investors, market sentiments