Story perspectives

SEC Lifts Day-Trading Restrictions for Small Investors

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a proposal lifting day-trading restrictions for accounts under $25,000, enabling frequent trades by smaller investors.
Brokerage firms Webull and Robinhood support the move.
Critics, including the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), warn that removing the pattern day trader rule could spur impulsive trading and losses.
The changes will take effect 45 days after Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) posts the rule online.

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Story summary

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a proposal lifting day-trading restrictions for accounts under $25,000, enabling frequent trades by smaller investors.
Brokerage firms Webull and Robinhood support the move.
Critics, including the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), warn that removing the pattern day trader rule could spur impulsive trading and losses.
The changes will take effect 45 days after Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) posts the rule online.