Twitter‘s happiness sentiment index impacts on financial markets: an integrated overview of empirical findings

Abstract

This survey paper investigates the empirical findings of academic work that explores the nexus between the highly innovative Twitter happiness sentiment index and a range of financial assets. An integrated overview of econometric outcomes and the relevant investment policy implications are provided. It is revealed that investor happiness reinforces the safe haven abilities of gold. Moreover, major stock indices are highly influenced by the happiness index especially at higher quantiles. Reverse causality between the happiness index and stock indices is also detected but in a weaker level. This survey contributes to better understanding investment decisions based on behavioural finance and provides evidence about the nexus of investor sentiment estimation with the financial sector nowadays. JEL Classification numbers: G15, G40, Q02. Keywords: Investor happiness, Investor sentiment, Twitter, Survey, Gold, Stock prices.