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The vast majority of Vanguard's retail and defined contribution clients are staying the course during record market volatility. Self-directed retail investors were the most active traders, but even among that cohort, more than 90 percent of account holders have not traded at all.

Across account types, 8 percent of Vanguard retail or workplace plan clients made a trade between February 19, when equity markets hit record highs, and March 20.

While individuals were mostly stoic, the four-week period saw elevated trading relative to average times. Of the 22 trading days since market highs, 16 were among the highest in trading volume since Vanguard began tracking activity in 2011.

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Nick Thornton

Nick Thornton is a financial writer covering retirement and health care issues for BenefitsPRO and ALM Media. He greatly enjoys learning from the vast minds in the legal, academic, advisory and money management communities when covering the retirement space. He's also written on international marketing trends, financial institution risk management, defense and energy issues, the restaurant industry in New York City, surfing, cigars, rum, travel, and fishing. When not writing, he's pushing into some land or water.