Investing With IBD Ep. 352 Here’s What Investing Really Means In 2026
Dec 23, 2025
Gunjan Banerjee, a leading markets writer at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the evolving landscape of investing as we approach 2026. She discusses the blurred lines between trading and gambling, highlighting the rise of retail investors and meme stocks. Gunjan warns about the high-leverage crypto products and advocates for separating 'cowboy' accounts from retirement funds. With a focus on prediction markets and social media influences, she emphasizes the importance of cautious investing and filtering market noise to navigate future trends.
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Episode notes
Retail Investors Are Bigger Market Players
- More individual investors own stocks and hold larger allocations than ever before.
- This broad engagement blurs lines between trading, gambling, and long-term investing.
Vet Who's Behind Stock Advice
- Ask how the person giving investment advice is paid before following them.
- Be cautious with social media influencers and trading tips on Reddit or X.
Social Media Amplifies Market Moves
- Social media amplifies trading mania and coordinates retail flows into specific tickers.
- Retail buying during volatility has often offset hedge fund selling and moved markets.