Citadel Securities strategist predicts retail investor pause in September

Investing.com -- Individual investors are likely to slow their stock buying pace in September before picking up again later in the year, according to Scott Rubner, head of equity and equity derivatives strategy at Citadel Securities.

Retail traders have been net buyers of equities in 16 of the past 18 weeks and have purchased equity options for 16 consecutive weeks, marking the sixth longest bullish streak since 2020, based on Citadel Securities’ data.

"I believe this surge is structural, not cyclical — a reflection of consumer health and market engagement, not a passing fad," Rubner wrote in a note to clients Wednesday.

Despite the current strong buying trend, historical patterns suggest a temporary slowdown. Citadel Securities data dating back to 2017 shows that after robust activity in June and July, retail buying typically decreases in August, with September usually representing the yearly low point for retail participation. The data indicates buying activity tends to increase again in the fourth quarter.

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