Over the past three years, retail investors have rocked the boat like never before on Wall Street. The meme-stock phenomenon of early 2021, which saw dozens of short-sold stocks explode higher in a matter of days, sounded their arrival. But it's the trading activity of these everyday investors that speaks volumes.

Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of shares traded on major exchanges by retail investors has effectively doubled. While high-frequency trading and professional investors still account for the lion's share of trading activity on Wall Street, retail investors are playing a progressively larger role in moving markets. In other words, knowing what these folks are buying, selling, and holding is taking on increased importance.

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Source Fool.com