Day trading is evolving fast in 2025. New trading tools, extended hours, and a fresh wave of online influencers are reshaping how retail investors trade. One of the most noticeable changes is the growing popularity of zero days to expiry options (0DTE), which allow traders to bet on market moves within the same day. Social media influencers are also becoming key voices in the trading world, sharing tips, live trades, and market strategies. At the same time, brokerages are giving traders access to the markets nearly 24 hours a day. Let’s take a look at the biggest updates shaping day trading right now.
0DTE Options Are Leading a New Trading Boom
One of the biggest trends in 2025 is the growing popularity of zero-day options, also known as 0DTE contracts. These are special types of options that end on the very same day you purchase them. In May alone, 0DTE trades made up more than 60% of all S&P 500 options volume. Over half of that came from retail traders, showing just how popular these quick-turnaround strategies have become.
These options can offer big rewards but carry big risks. Since they expire so fast, prices can move sharply in a short time. Traders use them to bet on short-term moves in the market, often around big events like Fed meetings or earnings reports.
So far, most 0DTE options are tied to large indexes and ETFs. But the Nasdaq plans to offer weekly options on individual stocks like Nvidia and Tesla, making it easier for small traders to join in. Still, experts say these tools are not for beginners, as the risk of loss is very high.
Social Media Influencers Are Redefining Day Trading Advice
Day trading used to be a solo game, but that’s changing fast. A new generation of online trading influencers is now guiding many retail investors. These influencers share real-time trades, explain their strategies, and offer education through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Discord, and X (formerly Twitter).
Some names gaining attention include:
-
Zach Kleinwaks (“zachaustintrades”), who focuses on futures trading and partners with Stock Dads.
-
Kevin Xu, a former Reddit trader who now runs AfterHour, a paid trading group and has grown his portfolio to $8.6 million.
-
Vaughn McNair (“Grandmaster Obi”), who teaches risk control and helps beginner traders stay disciplined.
These influencers aren’t just promoting hype. Many of them stress the importance of research, planning, and managing risk, which is helping shift the culture of trading from gambling to strategy.
Extended Trading Hours Are Opening New Opportunities
More and more brokerages are offering overnight trading so that users can buy and sell stocks beyond regular market hours. Companies like Firstrade now let people trade 500+ stocks for 20 hours a day, five days a week. Charles Schwab and Webull offer similar services.
Even the New York Stock Exchange is considering expanding its trading window to 22 hours per day, showing how serious this trend is becoming.
Extended hours mean more flexibility for traders around the world and allow people to react to news and global events in real time. It also gives part-time traders more time to engage with the market outside of 9–5 hours.
What This Means for Traders in 2025
For anyone trading in 2025, it’s clear the landscape is shifting. Whether you’re using 0DTE options or following influencers for strategy, today’s tools require knowledge, caution, and a plan.
Here’s what experts recommend:
-
Start small and learn how each tool works before going all in.
-
Practice risk management, especially when using leveraged or short-term instruments.
-
Use reliable data and tools, not hype, to make decisions.
-
Keep learning—markets are changing, and so should your strategies.
Trading today is faster, more accessible, and more social—but it’s also more complex. If you’re serious about succeeding, a thoughtful and educated approach is more important than ever.
Imge Source: gobankingrates.com
