What does "market sentiment" refer to?

"Market sentiment" refers to the overall attitude of investors toward a particular security or financial market. This concept is crucial for understanding how collective emotions and opinions can influence market movements. When investors are optimistic about a stock or the market, it often leads to increased buying activity, driving prices up. Conversely, when sentiment is negative, it may result in selling, which can lead to price declines.

This concept plays a significant role in market dynamics, as it reflects the collective psychology of market participants. Factors influencing market sentiment can include news events, economic indicators, earnings reports, and broader geopolitical events. Understanding market sentiment helps investors gauge potential future price movements and make more informed investment decisions.