Stock market in the spotlight: American retail traders hit a new record in 2025

Latest analyses from JPMorgan reveal a fascinating phenomenon in the financial markets sector. According to data from December 24th, U.S. retail investors have shown an extraordinary appetite for the stock market, with capital injections experiencing an impressive 53% growth compared to the previous fiscal year. This increase not only eclipsed the levels of 2021, during the famous retail trading boom, but even surpassed them by 14%, signaling a paradigm shift in individual investor behavior.

The Growing Dominance of Small Investors in the Stock Market

What makes this trend even more significant is the share of participation that retail traders hold within the market ecosystem. Recently, their operations generally account for 20%-25% of the total trading volume, a already substantial figure. However, during peak moments, primarily recorded in April, this percentage reached an impressive 35%. Industry experts clearly identify the crucial role played by these small investors: they have not only become a primary driver of growth in the stock market but have also demonstrated a particular contrarian ability, confidently buying when the market was undergoing correction phases and sell-offs.

From Technological Accessibility to Strategic Preference for ETFs

The fertile ground for this expansion has been prepared by structural transformations in the financial industry. The democratization of market access, facilitated by trading platforms accessible with minimal or zero commissions, has broken down traditional barriers that previously kept ordinary investors at bay. In parallel, a revolution in retail investor preferences has led to a significant tilt toward Exchange-Traded Funds, instruments that combine flexibility, diversification, and transparency.

Future Outlook and Catalytic Factors

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts maintain a positive attitude regarding the continuation of this trend in the stock market. They hypothesize that a potential easing of monetary policies by the Federal Reserve could serve as an additional fuel to sustain retail investment momentum. However, this optimistic outlook is tempered by a cautious recommendation: it is imperative for operators to maintain constant vigilance on systemic risks and potential turbulences that could impact the equity universe, avoiding being completely carried away by market euphoria.