(New York)

Bloomberg has published a thoughtful and interesting article arguing that there is a little-known sign in the market that prices are likely to fall. This year’s trading activity has been in major contrast to the last few years, and not just because of more volatility. Rather retail investors have come back en masse. In the March of this year, retail trades from TD Ameritrade’s and E*Trade’s platforms accounted for more than 25% of all trading volume. Historically, investors coming back to the market is such fashion has been negative for prices.

FINSUM: If you combine this view with the reality that stocks have not really gained despite the best earnings season in many years, you do start to worry the bottom might be ready to fall out.