September 09, 2025

The Rise of the Retail Investor

Retail investors are driving more of today’s market action than ever before. Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan shares what is behind this trend and what it may mean for long-term investors.


The retail investor movement began over a decade ago with the launch of Robinhood. Young and lower income investors were able to trade U.S. equities for $0, paving the way for other custodians to move into this space. Since then, the number of retail investors both domestically and internationally have exploded. While this dynamic brings new opportunities, one thing remains clear: The best approach is to stay disciplined with your well-thought-out financial plan and not be swayed by impulsive trades or social media noise. 

The information provided is educational and general in nature and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, specific investment, tax, or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice from their wealth advisor or other advisors before undertaking actions in response to the matters discussed. No client or prospective should assume the above information serves as the receipt of, or substitute for, personalized individual advice.

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Investing

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About the Author

Kevin Grogan

Chief Investment Officer of Systematic Strategies

As Chief Investment Officer of Systematic Strategies for Focus Partners, Kevin conducts investment research and writes articles on a wide range of topics, including retirement planning and investment policy. Kevin co-authored "The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need for the Right Financial Plan" with Larry Swedroe and Tiya Lim. This step-by-step handbook focuses on the art of investing by providing investors with information they can use to build a tailor-made investment strategy. Kevin holds an MBA from Saint Louis University and a bachelor’s of science in finance from Missouri State University in Springfield.