Core Viewpoint - The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has approved changes to eliminate the minimum equity rule for pattern day trading, pending SEC approval, which will allow more retail traders to engage in this trading strategy [1][3]. Group 1: Changes in Trading Regulations - The new rule will remove the requirement for pattern day traders to maintain a minimum balance of $25,000 in their margin accounts, which has been a barrier for many retail traders since 2001 [3][6]. - Instead of a fixed-dollar threshold, the holding requirements for pattern day traders will now be based on the amount of risk they take during the day, aligning with existing maintenance margin rules [6]. Group 2: Market Trends and Retail Trading - Retail trading has significantly increased, accounting for 20.5% of the market's daily trading volume, up from 10% in 2010 [4]. - Research indicates that the median investor spends only six minutes researching each trade, raising concerns about the preparedness of new pattern day traders [4].