GITNUX REPORT 2024

Retail Investors Statistics: Key Insights Into Their Market Impact & Behavior

Retail investors reshape the market landscape: Key statistics reveal their growing influence and behavior.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

Retail investors in the U.S. held over $7 trillion in equity in 2021.

Statistic 2

Retail investors made up 25% of the market in 2021, up from 10% in 2019.

Statistic 3

On average, retail investors devote 14% of their income to investing.

Statistic 4

Retail investors held over $4 trillion in cash in 2020.

Statistic 5

Retail investors held a record $1.27 trillion in mutual funds in 2020.

Statistic 6

Retail investors have increased their stake in the stock market to 21% in 2021.

Statistic 7

Retail investors make up approximately 10-15% of the total market capitalization.

Statistic 8

Retail investors have shifted 15% of their investments into healthcare stocks post-pandemic.

Statistic 9

Retail investors have increased their allocation to renewable energy stocks by 25% in the past year.

Statistic 10

58% of retail investors have increased their exposure to the healthcare sector.

Statistic 11

Retail investors have increased their allocation to small-cap stocks by 30%.

Statistic 12

The number of retail investors has risen by 50% since the start of the pandemic.

Statistic 13

Retail investors increased their allocation to gaming and e-sports stocks by 40% in 2021.

Statistic 14

30% of retail investors have started allocating funds to artificial intelligence (AI) companies.

Statistic 15

Retail investors' ETF holdings surpassed $1.7 trillion in 2021.

Statistic 16

Retail investors have increased their allocation to real estate investment trusts (REITs) by 20%.

Statistic 17

40% of retail investors are millennials.

Statistic 18

30% of retail investors plan to increase their investment allocation in tech stocks.

Statistic 19

20% of retail investors invest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds.

Statistic 20

Retail investors tend to have a higher risk tolerance compared to institutional investors.

Statistic 21

15% of retail investors invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Statistic 22

60% of retail investors have invested in renewable energy companies.

Statistic 23

Retail investors hold an average of 10 different stocks in their portfolio.

Statistic 24

25% of retail investors plan to increase their exposure to emerging markets in the next year.

Statistic 25

Retail investors have tripled their investments in alternative assets in the past two years.

Statistic 26

Retail investors have a higher allocation to technology stocks compared to institutional investors.

Statistic 27

30% of retail investors have started investing in SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies).

Statistic 28

Retail investors prefer growth stocks over value stocks by a margin of 2 to 1.

Statistic 29

18% of retail investors have increased their exposure to gold and precious metals.

Statistic 30

Retail investors have increased their investments in ETFs by 40% in the last year.

Statistic 31

23% of retail investors have diversified into real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Statistic 32

27% of retail investors are investing more in electric vehicle (EV) companies.

Statistic 33

47% of retail investors are considering cryptocurrency investments in 2021.

Statistic 34

Retail investors made up 48% of all IPO purchases in the first half of 2021.

Statistic 35

22% of retail investors are investing more in companies focused on cybersecurity.

Statistic 36

Retail investors have shifted 12% of their assets into socially responsible investment funds.

Statistic 37

55% of retail investors have reduced their exposure to traditional banks in favor of fintech companies.

Statistic 38

Retail investors have increased their exposure to renewable energy by 35% in the last year.

Statistic 39

42% of retail investors have invested in special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) deals.

Statistic 40

Retail investors accounted for 23.75% of all stock market activity in 2020.

Statistic 41

Retail investors have increased their trading activity by 300% in the past year.

Statistic 42

Retail investors' net purchases of stocks hit a record of $18 billion in a single day in 2021.

Statistic 43

72% of retail investors have adjusted their investment strategy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistic 44

Retail investors boosted investments in European stocks by 75% in the first quarter of 2021.

Statistic 45

Retail investors purchased a record $25 billion in U.S. equity funds in a week in March 2020.

Statistic 46

Retail investors are responsible for over 25% of trading volume in the stock market.

Statistic 47

Retail investors were responsible for over 70% of GameStop's trading volume in January 2021.

Statistic 48

Retail investors' trading volume doubled in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

Statistic 49

Retail investors have increased their trading volumes by 90% in the past year.

Statistic 50

35% of retail investors have used margin trading in the stock market.

Statistic 51

42% of retail investors are actively trading options in the stock market.

Statistic 52

Retail investors are projected to account for 25% of trading volume in cryptocurrencies by 2022.

Statistic 53

Retail investors accounted for 38% of all trading volume in the S&P 500 in 2020.

Statistic 54

Retail investors have accounted for over 60% of trading volume in meme stocks like AMC and GameStop in 2021.

Statistic 55

55% of retail investors trust financial advisors for investment advice.

Statistic 56

45% of retail investors believe that the stock market will continue to rise in the next year.

Statistic 57

67% of retail investors believe that the stock market will continue to rise over the next six months.

Statistic 58

Over 50% of retail investors use mobile apps for investing.

Statistic 59

65% of retail investors prefer to invest through online brokerage platforms.

Statistic 60

32% of retail investors seek advice from social media platforms for their investment decisions.

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Summary

  • Retail investors accounted for 23.75% of all stock market activity in 2020.
  • Retail investors in the U.S. held over $7 trillion in equity in 2021.
  • 55% of retail investors trust financial advisors for investment advice.
  • Over 50% of retail investors use mobile apps for investing.
  • Retail investors made up 25% of the market in 2021, up from 10% in 2019.
  • Retail investors have increased their trading activity by 300% in the past year.
  • 40% of retail investors are millennials.
  • Retail investors are responsible for over 25% of trading volume in the stock market.
  • On average, retail investors devote 14% of their income to investing.
  • 65% of retail investors prefer to invest through online brokerage platforms.
  • Retail investors held over $4 trillion in cash in 2020.
  • 30% of retail investors plan to increase their investment allocation in tech stocks.
  • 20% of retail investors invest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds.
  • Retail investors were responsible for over 70% of GameStop's trading volume in January 2021.
  • Retail investors tend to have a higher risk tolerance compared to institutional investors.

Move over Wall Street wolves, the retail investors are here to play! In a financial landscape once dominated by institutional giants, these individual players have emerged as the new power players, accounting for over 25% of market activity and holding a whopping $7 trillion in equity. With a penchant for mobile apps, trust in financial advisors, and a knack for risk-taking, retail investors are shaking up the stock market like never before. From millennials diving into tech stocks to environmentally-conscious investing in ESG funds, these savvy traders are making their mark in the financial world, one trade at a time.

Allocation of investments

  • Retail investors in the U.S. held over $7 trillion in equity in 2021.
  • Retail investors made up 25% of the market in 2021, up from 10% in 2019.
  • On average, retail investors devote 14% of their income to investing.
  • Retail investors held over $4 trillion in cash in 2020.
  • Retail investors held a record $1.27 trillion in mutual funds in 2020.
  • Retail investors have increased their stake in the stock market to 21% in 2021.
  • Retail investors make up approximately 10-15% of the total market capitalization.
  • Retail investors have shifted 15% of their investments into healthcare stocks post-pandemic.
  • Retail investors have increased their allocation to renewable energy stocks by 25% in the past year.
  • 58% of retail investors have increased their exposure to the healthcare sector.
  • Retail investors have increased their allocation to small-cap stocks by 30%.
  • The number of retail investors has risen by 50% since the start of the pandemic.
  • Retail investors increased their allocation to gaming and e-sports stocks by 40% in 2021.
  • 30% of retail investors have started allocating funds to artificial intelligence (AI) companies.
  • Retail investors' ETF holdings surpassed $1.7 trillion in 2021.
  • Retail investors have increased their allocation to real estate investment trusts (REITs) by 20%.

Interpretation

In a financial landscape historically dominated by large institutions, retail investors are shaking things up with their $7 trillion in equity and increasing market share. With an average allocation of 14% of their income to investing, these individuals are not merely spectators but active players in the game. Their diverse portfolio choices reflect a savvy understanding of emerging trends, as evidenced by the strategic shifts towards healthcare, renewable energy, small-cap stocks, and AI companies. The pandemic has propelled a 50% surge in their numbers, proving that retail investors are not just a passing trend but a formidable force shaping the future of the market. So, whether they're investing in e-sports, healthcare, or real estate, one thing is clear—retail investors are here to stay and make their mark.

Investment preferences

  • 40% of retail investors are millennials.
  • 30% of retail investors plan to increase their investment allocation in tech stocks.
  • 20% of retail investors invest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds.
  • Retail investors tend to have a higher risk tolerance compared to institutional investors.
  • 15% of retail investors invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • 60% of retail investors have invested in renewable energy companies.
  • Retail investors hold an average of 10 different stocks in their portfolio.
  • 25% of retail investors plan to increase their exposure to emerging markets in the next year.
  • Retail investors have tripled their investments in alternative assets in the past two years.
  • Retail investors have a higher allocation to technology stocks compared to institutional investors.
  • 30% of retail investors have started investing in SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies).
  • Retail investors prefer growth stocks over value stocks by a margin of 2 to 1.
  • 18% of retail investors have increased their exposure to gold and precious metals.
  • Retail investors have increased their investments in ETFs by 40% in the last year.
  • 23% of retail investors have diversified into real estate investment trusts (REITs).
  • 27% of retail investors are investing more in electric vehicle (EV) companies.
  • 47% of retail investors are considering cryptocurrency investments in 2021.
  • Retail investors made up 48% of all IPO purchases in the first half of 2021.
  • 22% of retail investors are investing more in companies focused on cybersecurity.
  • Retail investors have shifted 12% of their assets into socially responsible investment funds.
  • 55% of retail investors have reduced their exposure to traditional banks in favor of fintech companies.
  • Retail investors have increased their exposure to renewable energy by 35% in the last year.
  • 42% of retail investors have invested in special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) deals.

Interpretation

In a world where retail investors are rewriting the rulebook, millennials are leading the charge with 40% boldly navigating the investment landscape. With a penchant for high-risk tech stocks and a growing interest in ESG funds, they are reshaping the market with their fearless approach. Embracing the future, they dabble in cryptocurrencies, renewable energy, and emerging markets, while also expanding their horizons into alternative assets and SPACs. With a love for growth over value, a sharp eye for innovation, and a conscious shift towards socially responsible investments, retail investors are carving out a new path in the financial world, one diversified stock at a time.

Retail investors' behavior

  • Retail investors accounted for 23.75% of all stock market activity in 2020.
  • Retail investors have increased their trading activity by 300% in the past year.
  • Retail investors' net purchases of stocks hit a record of $18 billion in a single day in 2021.
  • 72% of retail investors have adjusted their investment strategy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Retail investors boosted investments in European stocks by 75% in the first quarter of 2021.
  • Retail investors purchased a record $25 billion in U.S. equity funds in a week in March 2020.

Interpretation

In an age where retail investors are not just players but powerhouses in the stock market arena, the numbers speak volumes about their influence and impact. With a 300% surge in trading activity and a record-breaking $18 billion in net purchases in a single day, these individual investors are reshaping the landscape of stock market dynamics. Not to be underestimated, their adaptability and sharp response to market conditions during the pandemic are evident with a staggering 72% adjusting their investment strategies. From European stocks to U.S. equity funds, retail investors are not just diving in but making waves, showing that in the world of investing, the rise of the retail investor is a force to be reckoned with.

Trading activity

  • Retail investors are responsible for over 25% of trading volume in the stock market.
  • Retail investors were responsible for over 70% of GameStop's trading volume in January 2021.
  • Retail investors' trading volume doubled in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
  • Retail investors have increased their trading volumes by 90% in the past year.
  • 35% of retail investors have used margin trading in the stock market.
  • 42% of retail investors are actively trading options in the stock market.
  • Retail investors are projected to account for 25% of trading volume in cryptocurrencies by 2022.
  • Retail investors accounted for 38% of all trading volume in the S&P 500 in 2020.
  • Retail investors have accounted for over 60% of trading volume in meme stocks like AMC and GameStop in 2021.

Interpretation

Retail investors are not just a flash in the pan; they're igniting a fiery revolution in the world of trading. With a trading volume that can make even seasoned Wall Street traders do a double-take, these individual investors have shown they are a force to be reckoned with. From taking over meme stocks to diving headfirst into cryptocurrencies, retail investors are shaking up the traditional market landscape like never before. So, buckle up, big banks and institutional investors, the retail army is here to stay, and they're bringing their wit and determination to the trading floor.

Trust in financial advice

  • 55% of retail investors trust financial advisors for investment advice.
  • 45% of retail investors believe that the stock market will continue to rise in the next year.
  • 67% of retail investors believe that the stock market will continue to rise over the next six months.

Interpretation

In a fascinating dance of faith and skepticism, retail investors are showing a split personality in their relationship with the stock market. While a majority still trust financial advisors for guidance, the contrasting views on the market's future trajectory reveal a swirling mix of optimism and caution. It's as if investors are cautiously optimistic about the short term but more skeptical about the longer horizon. Perhaps a cautious dance is the best move in the unpredictable waltz of the stock market.

Use of technology for investing

  • Over 50% of retail investors use mobile apps for investing.
  • 65% of retail investors prefer to invest through online brokerage platforms.
  • 32% of retail investors seek advice from social media platforms for their investment decisions.

Interpretation

It seems the modern retail investor is taking the phrase "scrolling through gains" quite literally with over 50% using mobile apps for investing. With 65% favoring online brokerage platforms, it's clear they prefer clicking over calling. However, caution might be warranted as 32% seek advice from social media platforms – a reminder that while trends can make you money, due diligence should always be your stylish accessory in the world of investments.

References