The rise of retail trading: How individual investors are shaping the market landscape

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

retail trading landscape in India has undergone a significant transformation, largely driven by the emergence of individual investors. These retail traders, armed with technology, access to information, and a thirst for financial independence, are reshaping the market's dynamics.

The proliferation of smartphones and easy access to the internet has democratised investing like never before. According to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of smartphone users in India reached over 760 million by the end of 2023, a significant increase from previous years. This surge in smartphone penetration has played a pivotal role in enabling individual investors to participate in the financial markets.

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Retail trading platforms and mobile applications have witnessed a surge in popularity among Indian investors. Different platforms have experienced exponential growth, providing easy-to-use interfaces and access to a wide range of financial instruments.
According to data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the number of demat accounts in India surpassed 100 million in 2024, with a substantial portion attributed to individual investors.

Changing investment behavior

The idea of investing being synonymous with the aristocrats or large institutions is slowly