Definition
The disposition effect is the observed tendency to realize gains relatively quickly while continuing to hold losing investments for longer.
In market context
The pattern can arise when realizing a loss feels more painful than surrendering the possibility of recovery, while closing a gain provides emotional confirmation. Tax, rebalancing, liquidity, and information can justify individual sales, so the behavior must be evaluated against the original decision rules rather than inferred from one trade. Predefined exits and journal reviews can reveal whether outcome labels are replacing evidence.
Source
Use the primary source for fuller regulatory or market context.
