1 Unstoppable Growth Stock That Could Soar if a Bear Market Is Coming

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) posted second-quarter 2026 results that position the discount brokerage to capitalize on volatility. Daily average revenue trades surged 34% year-over-year, while client accounts climbed 30% to 5.19 million. Margin loans jumped 67% to $108.5 billion, signaling aggressive positioning among retail and institutional clients.

Total revenue rose 28% to $1.9 billion for the quarter, with management noting accelerating momentum. The growth came as IBKR benefited from increased trading activity across equity and derivatives markets.

The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 29.1 based on 2027 consensus estimates. That multiple prices in continued expansion but remains below peak valuations seen during prior volatility spikes. Historically, IBKR has outperformed during sharp market swings as trading volumes and margin usage climb.

The margin loan growth stands out—clients are borrowing more to lever positions, a dynamic that amplifies commission and interest income when volatility picks up. Each uptick in the VIX tends to drive IBKR revenue higher through both trade count and financing fees.