Goldman Sachs data shows retail traders now hold $12 trillion in equities, accounting for 20% of US equity volumes.
Retail trading volumes in the S&P 500 have climbed 28% since mid-April, coinciding with a 29% rally in a basket of retail-favored stocks. Goldman Sachs attributes the rise to relaxed margin requirements, which may further boost activity.
Retail investors now hold $12 trillion in self-directed brokerage accounts, representing 10% of total US corporate equity market value. Their share of trading volumes has grown to 20%, up from 15% a decade ago but below the 2021 peak of 24%.
Activity is concentrated in Consumer Discretionary and Technology sectors, with a preference for volatile, high-valuation stocks. US households, including retail traders, own the majority of the $111 trillion US corporate equity market.