Robinhood shares rose over 12% after its CEO said the online-stock brokerage has made strong inroads into prediction markets, where people wager on elections, sporting matches and other widely followed events https://t.co/LyFAkOF423 ...

Core Insights - The brokerage platform's shares are experiencing an increase due to advancements in its ultra-luxury banking service and developments in football prediction markets [1] Group 1 - The ultra-luxury banking service is contributing positively to the brokerage platform's performance [1] - The football prediction markets are also playing a significant role in boosting the brokerage platform's shares [1]

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].

Core Insights - iFX EXPO Asia 2025 will take place from October 26–28, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, attracting over 4,000 senior executives from various sectors within the financial industry [1][9] - The event has sold out its exhibition space months in advance, indicating strong demand and interest in the rapidly evolving fintech and online trading sectors [2][12] - The agenda will cover significant macro and micro challenges in finance, with a focus on networking opportunities and strategic partnerships [5][10] Industry Trends - The presence of major exhibitors like ATFX, Axi, and Plus500 highlights institutional interest in Asia's digital finance landscape as markets mature and cross-border capital flows increase [3][4] - The event will feature discussions on regulatory outlooks, digital asset licensing, payments innovation, and the role of AI and automation in trading platforms [7][10] - Hong Kong is positioned as a crucial financial bridge between Asia and the West, with fintech-friendly policies attracting global regulators and firms seeking expansion [6][8] Event Details - The event will host over 150 exhibitors and 100 expert speakers, providing a platform for high-level discussions and actionable insights [2][9] - Registration is now open, and early registration is encouraged due to limited space availability [11] - iFX EXPO Asia 2025 is expected to serve as a barometer for future trends in the global digital finance industry, with a focus on brokerage, trading, and financial infrastructure [12][13]

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving role of AI in trading, emphasizing that rather than eliminating human emotion, AI is enhancing the human aspects of trading such as psychology, learning, community, and accountability [25][26]. Group 1: AI's Role in Trading - AI is positioned as a real-time psychological monitor that helps traders maintain discipline by identifying emotional patterns during trading [11][20]. - Platforms like True Trading and TradeZella are integrating AI to assist traders without replacing the learning process, aiming to enhance human analysis rather than automate it [15][21]. - The introduction of verified performance data by platforms like Robinhood Social aims to create accountability and shift trading culture towards data-driven learning [16][24]. Group 2: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite technological advancements, 90% of retail traders continue to lose money, indicating a persistent challenge in the trading industry [3][26]. - The rise of social media trading influencers complicates the landscape, making it difficult for traders to discern authentic advice from performance theatrics [8][9]. - TradeZella's data shows that systematic journaling can significantly improve profitability, with 67% of its customers being profitable after six months, highlighting the importance of disciplined analysis [13][23]. Group 3: Future of Trading - The integration of AI in trading is expected to foster a more collaborative and evidence-based practice, moving away from solitary trading struggles [24][25]. - AI's ability to maintain consistent discipline in trading strategies could address the emotional deviations that often lead to poor decision-making [19][20]. - The potential cultural transformation in trading practices could lead to improved success rates, as AI helps traders make more disciplined decisions [26].

Core Insights - Charles Schwab (SCHW) is exploring options to allow retail investors direct access to private companies, including notable firms like Stripe and OpenAI [1][2] - The CEO, Rick Wurster, emphasized the growing number of private companies and the need for retail investors to participate in their growth [2] - Schwab's initiative follows the launch of its alternative investments platform, Schwab Alternative Investments Select, which is available to retail clients with household assets over $5 million [2] Industry Trends - There is an increasing demand among wealthy clients for private market opportunities to diversify their portfolios [3] - Competitor Robinhood Markets (HOOD) is also taking steps to provide retail investors access to private companies through its planned venture capital fund, Robinhood Ventures Fund I [4][6] - Robinhood's CEO highlighted the historical exclusion of retail investors from private company investments, indicating a shift towards more inclusive investment opportunities [5] Company Performance - As of this year, SCHW shares have increased by 24.8%, while the industry has seen a growth of 30% [5] - Schwab currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while competitor Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR) has a higher Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has seen a 45.9% increase in shares this year [7]

Joining us now with where else customers are buying is Robin Hood's chief brokerage officer, Steve Kirk. And Steve, good to have you here. Just characterize what the activity level is, whether it seems as if your customer base is uh is taking on more risk, looking for different uh places that have not yet moved as much or how are they behaving.Sure. Thanks for having me, Mike. Um so I would characterize their behavior as still very engaged.If you look at um our volumes uh across all asset classes, equities, ...

Core Viewpoint - The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is highlighted as a relatively cheap stock within the S&P 500, with positive commentary from Jim Cramer, who is a strong advocate for the firm [1]. Company Overview - Charles Schwab provides a range of services including wealth management, brokerage, banking, and advisory services, along with trading platforms, investment products, retirement solutions, and custody services [1]. Recent Performance - The company reported a 17% month-over-month increase in net new assets, which Cramer described as an "amazing gain" justifying the stock's 2.3% price movement [1]. Historical Context - Cramer previously advised caution regarding the stock, referencing skepticism about the company's balance sheet and the influence of short sellers on trading [1]. Comparative Analysis - While acknowledging the potential of SCHW as an investment, the article suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [1].

A newcomer to America's most-watched index is now its top-performing stock of the year. Robinhood Markets  (HOOD) , which joined the index on Sept. 22, is now the index's top year-to-date performer. Up 219% this year, the brokerage app now sits atop the S&P 500's year-to-date performers, surpassing Seagate Technology  (STX,)  which recently took the throne from one-time index leader Palantir Technologies  (PLTR) . Those two firms are up 164% and 142.7% year-to-date respectively; now the second and fourth- ...

Core Insights - LPL Financial (LPLA) experienced a significant increase in total brokerage and advisory assets, reaching $2.26 trillion in August 2025, marking a 16.7% month-over-month increase and a 45.1% year-over-year growth [1][10] Group 1: Asset Performance - Brokerage assets totaled $955.3 billion, reflecting a 10.8% increase from June 2025 and a 38.3% rise year over year [2] - Advisory assets reached $1.3 trillion, up 21.5% from the previous month and 50.5% from August 2024 [2] Group 2: Net New Assets (NNAs) - Total organic net new assets were $17.8 billion, which included $13.8 billion from First Horizon Bank and $2.2 billion in off-boarded assets due to a planned separation [3][10] - Excluding the aforementioned assets, organic NNAs stood at $6.2 billion [3] Group 3: Client Cash Balances - LPL Financial reported a total client cash balance of $52.7 billion in August, up 6.5% from the prior month and 21.7% from August 2024 [4] - The cash balance breakdown included $35 billion in insured cash and $12.2 billion in deposit cash [4] Group 4: Strategic Outlook - The company's acquisitions of Commonwealth Financial Network, Investment Center, and Atria Wealth are expected to bolster advisory revenues and support advisor productivity [5] - LPL Financial is anticipated to continue its inorganic expansion to diversify operations, although there are concerns regarding capital market performance and substantial goodwill on the balance sheet [5] Group 5: Market Performance - Over the past year, LPLA shares have increased by 52%, outperforming the industry growth of 50.7% [6]