Robinhood Rises on Institutional Interest as $3.44B Volume Ranks 21st in U.S. Stocks

Robinhood Markets (HOOD) closed 0.48% higher on Sept. 24, with a trading volume of $3.44 billion ranking 21st among U.S. stocks. The platform’s shares saw renewed institutional interest as short positions declined by 12% week-over-week, according to regulatory filings. Analysts noted the move coincided with a broader rebound in fintech names following a week-long selloff in risk assets.

Recent filings revealed a strategic shift toward commission-free options trading, with the firm expanding its product suite to include fractional shares and crypto staking services. While retail user growth slowed to 1.2% monthly, institutional client activity surged by 28%, reflecting improved liquidity management capabilities. Regulators have also signaled potential easing on margin requirements for brokerage platforms, a factor cited in earnings calls by multiple market participants.

Analysts are preparing to execute a back-test to assess historical performance of volume-based strategies. The test will require defining a stock universe—such as all U.S.-listed equities or a narrower index—before calculating daily volume rankings and simulating a 1-day-hold strategy from January 2022 to present. Final results will depend on the selected benchmark parameters and market conditions during the testing period.