Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

itcdr

Made First $1,000 from Trading Stocks!

Recommended Posts

Just joined this forum and looking to get more involved in the trading world. Today I just hit the $1,000 profit mark, which has given me the motivation to take things to the next level

 

I am an experienced programmer, which allows me to work from home and set my own hours. About 6 months ago I started looking into trading stocks as the economic crisis had started seriously affect my business.

 

Here's what I've been doing. I setup an account at tradeking.com with $2K and used google.com/finance to keep track of a couple dozen tech and casino stocks for companies I was familiar with. I watched the prices and read the news reports on google finance. Every once in a while I'd make an automated trade when a stock looked good. Keeping it for about 1-3 days on average until it executed based on a LIMIT order. I usually only put up about $400-800 per trade and tried to get a 10% return. It seemed to work. Looking back I have now made 20 trades (buy & sell) since the beginning 6 months ago. Only 3 did I have a loss as the stock didn't look like it was going back up. And now I have just over $3K in my trading account ($1,000 profit after losses and fees).

 

So have I been lucky or am I on the right path? I plan to put another thousand or so in my trading account and start doing bigger trades. Before that though I want to get more familiar with what I'm doing. Any advice on where to go from here? Must read guides, better tools I should use, etc.? I really don't know much of the terminology or anything more than the basics yet. I'm just going off news reports and previous highs and lows

 

- Chris

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

put another $1k in the account?

 

no, no, no...

 

take $1k out !

NOW !

 

 

and stop trading for 3 months.

enjoy the glory while you can.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have to ask if you were lucky or on the right path, then you probably were lucky. Were your trades executed and managed according to your trading plan? "Every once in a while I'd make an automated trade when a stock looked good." is not a trading plan.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the quick replies.

 

Were your trades executed and managed according to your trading plan? "Every once in a while I'd make an automated trade when a stock looked good." is not a trading plan.

 

Sorry. should have been more specific. By a stock looking good meant:

 

Examples: Watched a stock's price for a week or so. If it appears to be consistently improving and then a news report just announces an expansion for the company then I'd buy and put LIMIT order to sell when it goes up around 10% or so. Or company releases a bad earnings report causing the stock price to tank. When it looks to be at it's lowest will buy and then wait for a quick rise of 10% or so to sell. Or a stocks price has been stable for a while. Will then use the high and lows average to set up an automatic order to try and buy at the lowest of the day and sell at the highest.

 

So am I adding logic to it, but I feel like there should be a lot more to the game then reading the news and looking at historical prices for a stock.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations. Only you can answer whether you are on the right path or whether you are lucky. How many trades? Statistically significant? Longs and shorts or both, Market has been rising for the period you have described.

 

I would be cautious, how you deal with your first largish drawdown is likely to set the tone for your next phase of trading, have you had one yet?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have made 20 trades (buy & sell) since starting 6 months ago. Most I've lost in a trade is $70. Most I've gained is $300. average around $60 profit per trade. Have only done regular trades. Selling short seemed too risky.

 

Have traded when the market was way up and way down. Example, I bought & sold 'LVS' when it was around $8 and then again when it was down to $2 and again now when up to $10. Obviously I wish I would have kept it when I bought at $2 but had no way of knowing would come up that much. A friend of mine bought LVS with me at the beginning at $8 and just kept it till now. I made much more with making the little profits each trade so I figure it's best not to get too greedy and not to think what if's.

 

Right now it feels much too simple though. Is there more I should learn first before going with bigger trade amounts? Other tools I should be using? How do the pro's do it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You will find it harder in a rampant bear. Some would argue this is a corrective leg of a bear so you may get an opportunity soon!

 

20 is quite a low sample size. Out of interest what sort of holding period? Not that that matters so much (apart from tying up your capital) obviously takes a bit longer to build up stats if your holding period is longer.

 

How much are you prepared to risk on each trade 7% so far I guess. You might find this interesting TradersCALM - risk of ruin menu this is the key thing in trading.

 

What are your criteria for buying? Fundamental, technical, something else? If the answer is with a pin in the paper the answer to is it luck question might become evident!

 

Usually it is easy to make suggestions as more often than not people are clearly doing something 'wrong' or have unrealistic expectations. Generic 'take it slow' 'preserve your capital' type advice is always safe :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest goodyboo

Market has been up trending well last few months. You may get caught when the wind turns. Make sure it is not your bread you are trading. It may dissapear one of these days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • there is no avoiding loses to be honest, its just how the market is. you win some and hopefully more, but u do lose some. 
    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.