A retail trader is an individual investor who trades financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, and other securities through a brokerage firm or online trading platform. Retail traders differ from professional or institutional traders, who often have more experience, resources, and access to information, and who may trade on behalf of a company, hedge fund, or other organization. Retail traders may trade for their own personal investment goals or for speculative purposes. They may use various strategies, such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, or a combination of both, to make trading decisions. Retail traders may also use leverage or margin to increase their potential returns, but they also carry the risk of incurring significant losses if their trades do not perform as expected.

A retail trader refers to an individual who engages in buying and selling financial instruments, such as stocks, currencies, or commodities, for personal investment rather than on behalf of an institution. Unlike institutional or professional traders, retail traders typically operate with smaller capital and trade through online brokerage platforms. Retail traders play a significant role in financial markets, contributing to liquidity and market dynamics. They often make investment decisions based on personal research, market analysis, and risk tolerance. The rise of online trading platforms has democratized access to financial markets, allowing retail traders to participate actively in buying and selling securities.