From Rags to Riches: A Day Trader's Tale of Fortunes and Foresight (2024)

FAQs

Who is the most profitable day trader ever? ›

Steve Cohen is arguably the most profitable hedge fund trader ever. His SAC Capital returned 30% annually for more than 20 years since its inception in 1992, making Cohen a billionaire.

Only 1% of the day traders make a profit. Most day traders with past performance have a successful career in the later years. Most day traders increase the amount of trading and take more shots.

Yes, some people have gotten rich from Robinhood. For example, one Robinhood user turned $250,000 into $400 million by investing in Tesla stock. However, it's important to note that these are the exception, not the rule. The vast majority of Robinhood users do not make money, and many lose money.

In summary, if you want to make a living from day trading, your odds are probably around 4% with adequate capital and investing multiple hours every day honing your method over six months or more (once you have a method to even work on).

With a $10,000 account, a good day might bring in a five percent gain, which is $500. However, day traders also need to consider fixed costs such as commissions charged by brokers. These commissions can eat into profits, and day traders need to earn enough to overcome these fees [2].

Many people have made millions just by day trading. Some examples are Ross Cameron, Brett N. Steenbarger, etc. But the important thing about day trading is that only a few can make money out of day trading and the rest end up losing their entire capital in day trading.

Some professional traders make a living from day trading. If you enjoy this strategy enough and make it work for you, it could become your primary profession.

The opening period (9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time) is often one of the best hours of the day for day trading, offering the biggest moves in the shortest amount of time. A lot of professional day traders stop trading around 11:30 a.m. because that is when volatility and volume tend to taper off.

Your securities and cash are protected by SIPC

Robinhood Financial LLC and Robinhood Securities, LLC are both members of SIPC, which protects securities for customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash) for each investing account, including IRAs.

How to make quick money on Robinhood? ›

Robinhood is a user-friendly financial technology company that disrupted the industry by offering commission-free trading, fractional shares, and easy mobile access. Users can make money through asset appreciation by buying low and selling high or by collecting dividends from companies.

Vanguard owns the most shares of Robinhood Markets (HOOD). What is the significance of the ownership structure for a publicly traded company?

How day trading impacts your taxes. A profitable trader must pay taxes on their earnings, further reducing any potential profit. Additionally, day trading doesn't qualify for favorable tax treatment compared with long-term buy-and-hold investing.

Day trading is not illegal when it is done within normal trade hours and properly recorded. However, a similar practice known as late day trading is illegal and can be prosecuted under commodities fraud law.

While day trading is not considered gambling, some people find it easy to get caught up in the ups and downs of the activity, whether winning or losing, as the thrill can bring a rush of adrenaline and lead to an addictive cycle.

George Soros - earned $1 billion in 1 day. Of course, George Soros is one of the top Forex traders. Perhaps, he is the best Forex trader in the world, and, for sure, he is the best day trader in the world.

1. George Soros. George Soros, often referred to as the «Man Who Broke the Bank of England», is an iconic figure in the world of forex trading. His net worth, estimated at around $8 billion, reflects not only his financial success but also his enduring influence on global markets.