Reflexivity
Reflexivity describes a circular relationship between cause and effect where market participants' perceptions influence the fundamentals of the asset, which in turn alters those perceptions. Popularized by George Soros, this concept suggests that investors do not act on objective reality but on their biased interpretation of it.
These biases can create self-reinforcing trends that deviate significantly from intrinsic value. In crypto markets, this often manifests as a rising token price attracting more capital, which increases demand and drives the price higher, reinforcing the initial bullish sentiment.
Conversely, when the trend reverses, the feedback loop works in reverse, accelerating a crash. Reflexivity is a key driver of market bubbles and subsequent busts.