RETAIL INVESTORS' RESPONSE TO STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY: A BEHAVIORAL STUDY

This study examines how retail investors perceive and respond to stock market volatility, defined as the extent to which security prices change over time. Using primary data collected from individual investors, the research investigates whether psychological factors such as fear, greed, and overconfidence lead to irrational decision-making during market fluctuations. The findings highlight that while volatility is an inherent market feature, retail investors' responses—ranging from panic selling to long-term holding—are heavily influenced by their risk appetite, financial literacy, and past experiences