Market anomalies are patterns in financial markets that contradict the efficient market hypothesis, which suggests that asset prices reflect all available information. These anomalies can manifest as unexpected price movements or trends that cannot be explained by traditional financial theories. Examples include the January effect, where stock prices tend to rise in January, and the value effect, where undervalued stocks outperform overvalued ones.
These anomalies challenge the notion that markets are always rational and efficient. Investors and researchers study market anomalies to identify potential opportunities for profit. Understanding these patterns can help investors make more informed decisions and improve their investment strategies.