Silver (SLV) and gold (GLD) have recently become some of the most actively traded assets among Robinhood (HOOD) users. Over the past two weeks, retail investors have increasingly turned to these metals as they look for ways to benefit from the growing buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure. According to Steve Quirk, Robinhood’s chief brokerage officer, interest is also rising in the energy sector through the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) and in infrastructure-focused funds like the iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA).
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Forget margin or options. Here's how the pros trade NVDAAt the same time, Quirk told CNBC that many retail investors are shifting away from broad market ETFs and becoming more selective. A “rolling AI scare” has pressured parts of the tech sector, which has pushed traders to rethink their approach. As a result, attention has moved beyond software stocks and toward the raw materials and infrastructure that support data centers, chips, and energy demand. Precious metals, in particular, stand out because they are essential components in the AI supply chain.
Importantly, Quirk explained that physical assets feel safer during periods of market volatility and sector rotation because there is comfort in owning something tangible that is likely to benefit no matter which AI company ends up leading the race. Even so, Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA) remain the largest individual holdings among Robinhood customers, although many traders have been trimming those positions and rebalancing as markets fluctuate.
Which Retail Investor Favorite Is the Better Stock?
Turning to Wall Street, between the two largest individual holdings among Robinhood customers mentioned above, analysts think that NVDA stock has more room to run than TSLA. In fact, NVDA’s price target of $187.88 per share implies 38.6% upside versus TSLA’s 3.5% downside risk.
