US Retail Trading Volume Hits Record High in June, Options Activity Doubles

Retail investors drive 30% of US stock volume with June hitting records. Options volume doubles in three years, while retail buying pressure forces institutional catch-up.

Woofun AI data shows that retail investors currently account for approximately 30% of daily trading volume in the US stock market. Trading activity intensified significantly, with May volumes rising 10% above the 2021 peak and June establishing a new all-time high. The options market also expanded, seeing daily volumes exceed 50 million contracts multiple times this year, representing a doubling from three years prior.

Citadel data indicates robust retail buying throughout July, characterized by zero net selling on any single day, which compelled under-positioned institutions to chase higher prices. Goldman Sachs estimates retail direct brokerage assets at $12 trillion, or 10% of the total US market value, while total individual investor assets reach $111 trillion.