There's been growing talk from policymakers about a troubling gap in market participation. According to recent statements, approximately 38% of Americans don't hold any stocks at all—a figure that's caught the attention of financial officials aiming to shrink this number closer to zero.

What does this tell us? A significant portion of the population remains locked out of traditional wealth-building mechanisms like equity investment. Whether it's due to lack of capital, financial literacy, trust issues, or simply accessibility barriers, the stat highlights why many are looking elsewhere for investment opportunities.

Interestingly, this disconnect between the general population and stock ownership fuels conversations about alternative financial systems. As more people explore crypto markets and decentralized finance platforms, it underscores a broader appetite for entry points into the investment world—ones that sometimes feel more accessible or transparent than traditional routes. The push to reduce this participation gap suggests the traditional finance sector is taking note of these challenges.