In January 2021 GameStop stock prices soared to a record high of $483 as thousands of retail investors cashed in on the meme stock trading phenomenon. One year on and this event has not revolutionised the financial world as some might have expected. But it did reveal that large-scale coordination among small traders has the potential to affect markets significantly and their power should not be underestimated. Empowered by social media and online community forums such as Reddit’s Wall Street Bets, easy access to trading platforms via smartphone apps and commission-free trading, this new group of tech-savvy, bold individual investors continue to influence global markets. 

Retail investors now face bigger problems as they navigate their way through a volatile trading environment characterised by rising inflation and the subsequent cost of living, turbulent tech stocks, and geopolitical strain. Vulnerable to the unpredictability of these markets and often lacking in sufficient financial literacy knowledge, the threat of misinformation and mistakes remains a very real possibility for this new group of traders. 

Hosted by the Financial Times, in partnership with Capital.com, this panel discussion explored the role of retail investors in financial markets today and how education and engagement from financial institutions can help to protect against common trading mistakes and help novice traders/investors develop new skills and expertise.

Understand

The big picture, not just the individual strands of the business you work in

Connect

And build relationships with some of the biggest names in your industry

Discover

New approaches and strategies to help win market share

Premier Digital Events Supported by the World's Best Journalism

Using leading digital technology, we have now taken our content, global audience reach and engagement to a new level through a series of unmissable virtual events. Our compelling events are chaired by respected FT journalists, feature the most senior and thought-provoking decision-makers in business, finance and politics, all accessible from your office or home.

© Financial Times Live

FT Live and its journalism are subject to a self-regulation regime under the FT Editorial Code of Practice