Retail Investors Hit Record Low-Buying Pace in H1 2026, Semiconductor Options Surge 6x

According to Citadel Securities, retail investors in the U.S. reached historic highs in buying dips during the first half of 2026. When the S&P 500 declined, retail buy volumes surged to approximately 3.5 times the daily average, exceeding levels seen during the 2021 meme stock frenzy. Even during market rallies, retail buying remained near 1.5 times daily average.

In June alone, retail interest shifted toward semiconductor stocks and broad ETFs. Retail traders' semiconductor options premium reached approximately $1.9 billion daily—six times historical average—with roughly 75% concentrated in call options, signaling bullish sentiment on the sector's continued performance.