Fidelity launches new trading platform for retail investors

Core Insights - Fidelity Investments is launching a significant upgrade to its trading platform, Fidelity Trader+, to cater to the increasing demand for advanced tools from self-directed individual investors [1] - The new platform will provide real-time analytics and customizable charts, targeting the most active traders who are shaping market dynamics [1][2] - This initiative is part of a broader trend among brokerage firms to attract more retail investors, who have been crucial in supporting market stability since the COVID-19 pandemic [3] Retail Investor Engagement - Fidelity identifies its most engaged customers as those who trade individual stocks and ETFs, utilizing customizable analytical tools for real-time portfolio tracking [2] - Other firms, such as Robinhood and Moomoo Financial, are also enhancing their offerings to retail investors, with Robinhood introducing a social media feature for strategy sharing [4] - The competition among brokerages is intensifying, with a focus on providing innovative trading experiences and access to popular IPOs [4] Market Impact of Retail Investors - Retail investors are estimated to account for approximately 8% of the total dollar value of stock trading, with this figure doubling for popular stocks like Nvidia and Tesla, marking a fourfold increase from pre-pandemic levels [6] - Citadel Securities reports that retail investors may represent nearly 20% of trading volume, especially during high-profile IPOs, highlighting their significant role in market support during downturns [7]