Retail investors have shown remarkable activity in the U.S. stock market, purchasing $3.3 billion worth of equities in the first 4.5 hours of trading on Wednesday, marking the third-largest amount ever recorded for that timeframe. This surge in buying comes despite a backdrop of volatility, as the S&P 500 has experienced significant fluctuations. Retail traders, who have been active participants in the market since the Covid-19 pandemic, notched a 17% gain on Wednesday, helping them nearly break even for the year. Since March 1, these individual investors have sold stocks on only six occasions, indicating a strong commitment to the market even as institutional investors have retreated.