The internet revolutionized retail investing in the mid-1990s. Robinhood offers commission-free trades and fractional shares, attracting everyday investors. Five top companies and an index fund are popular among Robinhood users. Retail investors opened 30 million new brokerage accounts in 2020-2021, driving 25% of equities trading volume in 2021.

The internet’s rise in the 1990s reshaped business by providing information transparency. This led to the retail investor revolution, with 30 million new brokerage accounts opened in 2020-2021. Retail investors now account for 25% of equities trading volume, double the previous decade’s share.

Robinhood’s platform attracts retail investors with commission-free trades and fractional shares. The “100 Most Popular” leaderboard showcases the top stocks and ETFs held by Robinhood users. Nvidia, a leader in AI, is the top stock. Tesla, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF are also popular.

Nvidia, an AI powerhouse, is the most held stock on Robinhood. Its GPUs dominate data centers, with CUDA software anchoring customer loyalty. Nvidia’s stock has surged 1,200%. However, AI stock trends may pose challenges.

Tesla was the top stock on Robinhood before Nvidia, leveraging its EV leadership and profitable operations. CEO Elon Musk’s innovative ventures expand beyond EVs. Tesla remains risky, with high valuation and unfulfilled promises.

Apple, a tech giant, is known for its loyal customer base and premium products. Its services segment and capital-return program drive growth. Apple’s stock is historically pricey, with a high P/E ratio signaling stalled growth.

Amazon, a top e-commerce player, leads the online retail market share. Its cloud service AWS drives cash flow, while AI integration boosts growth. Amazon stock is viewed as historically inexpensive.

Microsoft excels in cloud computing and AI, with Azure’s rapid growth. Legacy segments like Word and Office provide stable cash flow. Microsoft’s stock is not cheap but offers steady growth compared to Apple.

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF mirrors the S&P 500 performance with low fees. It provides diversification in top U.S. companies. The ETF has a historical positive return, but market priciness may impact its performance in 2026.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: 5 “Magnificent” Stocks and 1 ETF That Are Must-Owns in 2026, According to Robinhood’s Retail Investors