New ETF tracks US stocks that appeal most to retail investors

• The Defiance Retail Kings ETF will hold companies like Micron, Palantir, Robinhood, and Oklo (which has surged 170% over 12 months) rather than volatile meme stocks
• Retail investors steered $12.9 billion into U.S. stocks in the week ended Wednesday, nearly double the 12-month average of $6.7 billion per week
• On the biggest day of net purchases since October, retail investors bought $1.8 billion in stocks on Tuesday even as markets fell, according to Vanda Research

Summary: New ETF Targets Retail Investor Favorites

Defiance ETFs and Futurum Equities have launched the DefianceRetai Kings ETF, designed to capture stocks most appealing to individual retail investors. The actively managed fund will hold 30-50 stocks focused on high-growth, high-momentum opportunities that appeal to self-directed traders.

Key Holdings and Performance:

The initial portfolio includes Micron, Palantir Technologies, Robinhood, and Oklo—a nuclear power manufacturer that has surged 170% over the past 12 months as investors seek exposure to AI-driven energy demand.

Market Context:

Fund organizers emphasize this ETF differs from volatile meme stock trading, instead targeting companies expected to remain viable for 10-20 years while attracting next-generation investor interest. According to Defiance CIO Sylvia Jablonski, these are companies with sustained engagement from younger investors.

Retail Investor Impact:

The launch comes amid growing retail investor influence in markets. JPMorgan Chase data shows individual investors poured $12.9 billion into U.S. stocks and funds in the week ended Wednesday—nearly double the 12-month average of $6.7 billion weekly. Vanda Research reported particularly strong buying on Tuesday, with $1.8 billion in purchases despite market declines, marking the largest single-day retail buying since October.

Significance:

The ETF reflects Wall Street's recognition of retail investors as a significant market force, with both institutions seeking to track their preferences while positioning the fund as a logical investment vehicle for the same demographic driving these trends.