Core Insights - The rise of online trading platforms has significantly empowered retail investors, allowing them access to vital financial information and trading opportunities [2][3] - Retail investors now account for approximately 25% of total equities trading volume, a notable increase from the previous decade [3] - Robinhood Markets has effectively attracted retail investors by offering commission-free trades and a leaderboard of popular securities [5] Group 1: Popular ETFs Among Retail Investors - Three low-cost ETFs are among the top 10 most-held securities by Robinhood's retail investors, surpassing well-known stocks like Alphabet and Meta Platforms [6] - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust are the first and second most-held securities, both designed to track the S&P 500 index [7] - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has a net expense ratio of 0.03%, significantly lower than the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust's 0.0945%, making it a more cost-effective option for long-term investors [14][13] Group 2: Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF - The Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF is the 10th most-held security among retail investors, focusing on investment-grade bonds and yielding over 4% [16][18] - The ETF's popularity may be attributed to concerns over high stock valuations, as indicated by the S&P 500's Shiller Price-to-Earnings Ratio, which is at its second-highest level in 155 years [20][21] - Retail investors are increasingly turning to the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF as a safe-haven investment amid fears of a potential market correction or bear market [21]