The rise of financial nihilism in retail traders

The article discusses how the low-cost revolution in finance has led to increased retail investor participation in high-risk, zero-sum products like zero-date options and perpetual futures, driven by financial institutions' push for higher-margin offerings. This trend, termed 'financial nihilism,' reflects a shift away from traditional, low-risk ETFs toward volatile investments such as crypto and derivatives, with critics blaming brokerage houses for prioritizing profits over investor stability.