There's still a 'bro bid' in stocks as retail investors pile into leveraged ETFs, says BofA's Hartnett
Investors recently rushed into leveraged exchange-traded funds as the push to buy the dip in the market continues, according to Bank of America. Michael Hartnett, the bank’s chief investment strategist, said leveraged equity exchange-traded funds saw $14 billion in weekly inflows about two weeks ago, a record in the firm’s data. After that, he said there was a “tiny” outflow of about $300 million last week. “The ‘bro bid’ for stocks continues,” Hartnett told clients in a note published last week. Hartnett has previously referred to the rally that took the market to record highs this year as a “bro bubble” in which investors piled into stocks closely tied to President Donald Trump that outperformed. Leveraged ETFs exacerbate these performances, given that they are considered a riskier version of a holding where performance is essentially multiplied. The investment strategist raised alarm that the bubble could be popping earlier this year. Hartnett said in late February that investors would want to keep an eye on volume-weighted average prices since the November election for stocks such as Tesla to see when nervous bulls may begin dumping shares. For Tesla, he offered $371 as the preelection volume-weighted average as the level to watch. The electric vehicle stock opened well below that price this week at $230.26. Shares are more than 52% off their 52-week high notched in December and down more than 44% in 2025. Not every stock that is part of the bro bubble has suffered the same fate thus far. Palantir , the mysterious defense technology stock that has become a retail investor favorite over recent months, has seen volatile trading this year. However, shares are still up more than 23% in 2025. TSLA PLTR YTD mountain Tesla and Palantir in 2025 Broadly speaking, retail investors haven’t run for the hills during the recent market turmoil tied to Trump’s tariff policy rollout. Instead, data shows that everyday traders have swooped in to buy stocks when prices recently slid, appearing to follow the conventional investing strategy of buying the dip. Despite that vote of confidence, they have felt pain as Trump’s plan for levies raised fears of the U.S. economy tipping into a recession. The S & P 500 has slid around 9% since April 2, the day Trump first announced his “reciprocal” tariffs on many trading partners. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
